The surname "Overholt" is of German origin, specifically from the Rhineland region. It is derived from a place name and means "over the holt," where "holt" refers to a piece of woodland or forest. This surname was often given to people who lived near such a place or came from there. Over time, as families migrated, the surname became common among German and Dutch immigrants in various countries, including the United States.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Overholt
The surname Overholt is of German origin, specifically from the Rhineland region. It is derived from the Old High German "Uberholt" or "Oberholt," which translates to "above the woods" or "upper wood." The name was often given to individuals who lived in an elevated location amidst forests. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name evolved as it spread across Europe during medieval migrations. In the United States, the surname Overholt can be traced back to German immigrants who settled primarily in Pennsylvania during the 18th century.
Geographical distribution of the last name Overholt
The surname Overholt has a significant presence primarily in North America, particularly in regions with German-American ancestry. According to data from FamilyEducation, it is most prevalent in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana in the United States. In Canada, Ontario and Manitoba have relatively high concentrations of individuals bearing this last name. This distribution suggests a historical link to the German immigration wave that occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially from the Palatinate region of Germany, which is now part of modern-day Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. While it can also be found in other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora, the highest concentration remains in North America, particularly among communities with German ancestry.
Variants and spellings of the last name Overholt
The surname Overholt has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional dialects over time. Some of these variations include:
These variations may have arisen from errors in record-keeping, deliberate changes to suit specific preferences or contexts, or the influence of local languages and dialects. It is essential to consider these factors when researching family history and genealogy as they can provide valuable insights into migration patterns, cultural assimilation, and historical events that affected your ancestors.
Famous people with the last name Overholt
Notable individuals sharing the surname Overholt include:
1. John Overholt (born 1948), an American writer and poet known for his work in children's literature, including "The Adventures of a Cat-Whiskered Girl."
2. Thomas Overholt (born 1950), a prolific American author whose works include the novel "The Wishing Tree" and the memoir "The Man Who Loved Fish."
3. Tim Overholt (born 1964), an American guitarist, best recognized as the lead guitarist for the Christian rock band Petra from 2007 to 2012.
4. Paul Overholt (born 1951), a former American professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for several Major League Baseball teams in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
5. John Overholt (1832-1886), an early settler of Salt Lake City, Utah, who served as a mayor of the city from 1873 to 1874.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as literature, music, and sports throughout their careers.
Genealogical research on the last name Overholt
The surname Overholt is predominantly of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "Überholz" or "Överholtz," meaning "beyond the woods" or "over the wooded area." It first appeared in records during the late Middle Ages in areas such as Swabia and Württemberg. The family later emigrated to North America, primarily to Pennsylvania in the 17th and 18th centuries as part of the larger German immigration wave to the New World. Notable individuals with the Overholt surname include George Washington Overholt, a distiller who developed the first commercially successful bourbon whiskey in the United States, and Samuel D. Overholt, a Union Army general during the American Civil War. The name has multiple variants, including Overhult, Overholtz, Oeverholt, and Oberholz, due to variations in spelling and translation during migration.
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