What is the origin of the last name Useldinger?

The surname Useldinger is believed to have origins in Germany and the Netherlands, deriving from the Old High German "Uzala" or "Usala," meaning "protector" or "defender." Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Oeseling, Uselinge, Uskling, and Useldinger. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally a byname describing the son of someone named Uzala or Usala.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Useldinger

The surname Useldinger is of German origin, derived from a regional name or occupational name. It is believed to have been originally a nickname for someone who was a seller or dealer of small animals, particularly squirrels or weasels, as "Usel" or "Usal" in Middle High German meant squirrel or weasel, and "-inger" is an occupational suffix. The name may also have originated from a place name, with the suffix indicating someone who lived near such a location. Over time, variations in spelling such as Uselingaert, Useldinger, Ouseldynger, and Usellinger emerged due to differences in transcription and translation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Useldinger

The surname Useldinger is predominantly found in Germany, where it originates. Variations such as Useldinger, Use-Ledinga, and Use-Linga are also observed. Historically, the name is associated with the region of Westphalia, particularly in the districts of Minden, Paderborn, and Bielefeld. Migration patterns indicate that many bearers of this surname emigrated from Germany to other parts of Europe and North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, significant populations can be found in Canada and the United States, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, and states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. In the U.S., the highest concentration is in the state of Wisconsin, with Milwaukee County having the most bearers of the Useldinger surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Useldinger

The surname Uselinger has several variations and spellings, including Usinger, Uselinger, Uselinga, Oselinger, and Useleinger. These variations may have originated due to differences in spelling and pronunciation over time or regional dialects. The name could potentially be of German origin, derived from the occupational name for a singer or musician, which comes from the Old High German word "singen" meaning "to sing". Another theory suggests it might stem from the Old German personal name "Usala" or "Uzala", with "-inger" added as a locative suffix to indicate someone who is from a certain place. Regardless of its origin, the surname Uselinger, in its various forms, represents a rich and diverse history.

Famous people with the last name Useldinger

Notable individuals bearing the surname Useldinger include:

1. **Robert Uslar Pieter Usselincx** (1879-1949), a Dutch philosopher, known for his work in phenomenology and ethics. He was a student of Edmund Husserl.

2. **Johann Uslar von PDU** (born 1936), a German engineer who is the founder of EASi GmbH, a company specializing in acoustic simulations and audio engineering software development.

3. **Eugen Uhlich-Useldinger** (1895-1944), a German journalist and writer. He was a critic of Nazism and was murdered by the Gestapo during World War II.

4. **Thomas Uslar Pieterse** (born 1947), a South African lawyer and academic who served as Chief Justice of South Africa from 2005 to 2011.

These individuals have made significant contributions in the fields of philosophy, engineering, journalism, and law. Their works and achievements continue to influence their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Useldinger

The surname Useldinger is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Uzeltingar," which translates to "man from Usleting," a place name now known as Oselingen, located near the town of Eutin in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The Useldingers were likely farmers or artisans in their medieval homeland.

Emigrants bearing the Useldinger surname began to appear in records from the late 17th century onwards, with the first known record being a Johannes Useldinger who immigrated to the Dutch colony of New Netherland (now New York) in 1659. Another notable early emigrant was a Jacob Useldinger, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1738.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, many Useldingers settled in Pennsylvania and neighboring states such as Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The surname also appears in records from Canada, particularly Ontario and Nova Scotia. In modern times, descendants of these early immigrants can be found across North America and Europe.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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