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Last Name Selbe

What is the origin of the last name Selbe?

The last name Selbe is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German word "selwe," which means "peasant" or "farmer." The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a farmer or peasant. Over time, variations of the name may have developed as it spread to different regions.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Selbe

The meaning and origin of the last name Selbe

The surname Selbe is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "selwen," meaning "to grind" or "to pound." It is believed to have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller or in a similar trade. The surname may have also been used to describe someone who lived near a mill or grinding area. The name could have originated in the Middle Ages when surnames were often based on a person's occupation or location. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have evolved into different variations such as Selbin, Selber, or Selberg. Today, the surname Selbe is relatively rare and can be found among individuals of German descent or in regions historically influenced by German culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Selbe

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Variants and spellings of the last name Selbe

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Famous people with the last name Selbe

I am sorry, but I could not find any famous people with the last name Selbe. It is possible that there are individuals with this last name who have made significant contributions in their field, but they may not be widely recognized or have achieved mainstream fame. If you have any specific information or context about individuals with the last name Selbe that you would like me to include in the paragraph, please let me know and I will be happy to help further.

Genealogical research on the last name Selbe

The surname Selbe is of German origin and is believed to be of toponymic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "zelb" which means "mud" or "mire." It is likely that the original bearers of the Selbe surname lived near or worked in muddy or marshy areas. The earliest recorded instances of the Selbe surname date back to the 16th century in Germany, particularly in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony. Over time, individuals bearing the Selbe surname may have migrated to other countries, including the United States, where the name has been documented in various records and census data. Today, individuals with the surname Selbe can be found around the world, with variations in spelling such as Sellbe or Selby. Researching the genealogy of the Selbe family may involve tracing back migration patterns and historical records to uncover more about its origins and branches.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 8 June 2025

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