The surname Utermohl is of German origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a moor or marsh. The word "Utermohl" is composed of two elements: "außer", meaning "outside", and "Mohle", which refers to a wetland, marsh, or bog. Therefore, the name Utermohl would originally mean "one who lived outside a marsh".
Learn more about the origin of the last name Utermohl
The meaning and origin of the last name Utermohl
The surname Utermohl is of German origin, derived from a geographical location or topographic feature. The name likely translates to "outside the mill" in Middle High German, with "Uter" meaning outside and "Mühle" meaning mill. It is possible that an early ancestor lived near a mill and moved or purchased land that was located away from it, thus earning this distinctive name. Over time, variations of the surname may have arisen due to differences in spelling and translation, such as Uttermyll, Utermull, and Utermohle. The name has been recorded in various regions of Germany since the late Middle Ages.
Geographical distribution of the last name Utermohl
The surname Utermohl is predominantly distributed in Germany, with a significant concentration in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and specifically in the city of Essen, where it originated from. It is also found in other parts of Germany, including Bavaria, Hesse, and Berlin. Outside Germany, individuals with the surname Utermohl can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The migration of people bearing this name to these countries likely occurred during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to emigration waves from Europe.
Variants and spellings of the last name Utermohl
The surname Utermohl has several variations and spellings. Some of them include Utermehl, Utmermoll, Utmermoel, Utermall, and Utermale. These differences may arise due to factors such as transcription errors, regional dialects, or personal preference during immigration processes. The original German form of the name is likely Utermohl, which means "month lake" in Old High German, derived from the words "Utermono" (month) and "mohl" (moor or lake). This surname can be found in various countries where German immigrants settled, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.
Famous people with the last name Utermohl
Notable individuals with the surname Utermohl include:
1. Karlheinz Utermohlen (1924-2004), a German painter and art professor who was a prominent figure in abstract expressionism before dying from leukemia during the later stages of his life.
2. Hans Utermohlen (1876-1956), a German general and military commander during World War I, serving as chief of staff of the 4th Army on the Western Front. He was later dismissed for his involvement in the July Plot against Adolf Hitler.
3. Gerhard Utermohlen (born 1962), a German professional football player who spent most of his career with Tennis Borussia Berlin and played for West Germany at the 1984 European Football Championship.
Genealogical research on the last name Utermohl
The surname Utermohl is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "Uter" meaning "uterus" or "womb," and "Mohl," referring to a small stream or brook. One notable bearer of this name is Friedrich Wilhelm Utermohl (1830-1871), a German physician and anthropologist who wrote the influential book "Untermensch" (Subhuman) in 1862, which contributed to the scientific justification for racism. The family's roots can be traced back to the Rhineland region of Germany, with records indicating that the name was commonly found in cities such as Cologne and Bonn during the late medieval period. Variants of this surname include Utermoahl, Uttermohle, and Uttermohl.
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