Last Name Olmscheid

Learn more about the origin of the last name Olmscheid

The meaning and origin of the last name Olmscheid

The surname Olmscheid is of German origin, derived from various places named Olmschen or Olmscheide in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony regions of Germany. The name is believed to have been formed by combining the Old High German elements "alma" (alm) meaning 'elder' or 'alder tree,' and "scheid" (scheite) meaning 'boundary,' 'hedge,' or 'clearing.' Over time, this topographic surname, which originated from a specific location where an individual lived or held lands, was passed down through generations, eventually migrating with families to other parts of the world. The surname Olmscheid is found predominantly in Germany and its diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Olmscheid

The surname Olmscheid has its origins in Germany, specifically from the region of Westphalia, where it is one of the most common names in the district of Borken. It is also found in other parts of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Emigrants bearing this name have dispersed to various parts of the world due to historical events such as the German diaspora after World War II, and more recently, international migration. In North America, Olmscheids can be found predominantly in the United States, particularly in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and California. In Australia, they are most concentrated in New South Wales and Queensland. In Europe outside Germany, they can be found in countries like Netherlands and Belgium.

Variants and spellings of the last name Olmscheid

The surname Olmscheid has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Olmschied, Oelmscheid, Olmsheid, Oelmscheit, and Olmscheitt. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in record keeping, or intentional alterations for personal or professional reasons. It is important to note that the correct spelling can sometimes be challenging to determine due to these variations, making genealogical research more complex. Nonetheless, understanding these variations can aid in tracing family history and connecting with relatives who may have slightly different spellings of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Olmscheid

The Olmscheid family is known for producing several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Friedrich Olmscheid (1864-1927), a German classical archaeologist and epigraphist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Greek inscriptions, particularly in Asia Minor. Another noteworthy individual is Ernst Olmscheid (1885-1940), a German World War I flying ace with 32 confirmed victories, making him one of the highest-scoring pilots on the Western Front. In the realm of science, Dr. Walter Olmscheid is recognized as an expert in the field of plant physiology and biochemistry, having made significant contributions to the understanding of photosynthesis and respiration processes in plants. Lastly, in the world of music, the Olmscheid family has a prominent presence through the German-American violinist, pianist, and conductor Karl Olmscheid (1860-1937) and his son, concert pianist Herman Olmscheid (1892-1974).

Genealogical research on the last name Olmscheid

The surname Olmscheid originates from Germany and is primarily found in the western regions, particularly North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. It is an occupational name for a farmer or landowner, derived from the Old High German "alm" meaning alp or pasture, and "scheid," meaning clearing or enclosure. The surname has several variations including Olmscheide, Olscheid, and Olschied.

The first recorded mention of the name can be traced back to the 14th century in Westphalia. In the 16th century, many members of the Olmscheid family migrated to other parts of Germany and neighboring countries due to religious conflicts. Some branches of the family emigrated to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, settling primarily in the Midwestern United States and Canada.

Notable individuals with the surname include Wilhelm Olmscheid (1842-1906), a German philosopher, and Hermann Olmscheid (1857-1936), a German archaeologist. The Olmscheid family continues to be predominantly found in Germany, but has a significant presence in North America as well.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Olmscheid"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025