Last Name Von-lintel

The surname "von Lintel" is a German toponymic (place-name) name that originally referred to someone who lived near or came from a place named "Lintel." The prefix "von" indicates noble status and is derived from the Old High German word "fun," meaning "of, from, or belonging to." The specific origin of Lintel as a place name remains unclear, but it may have derived from either the Middle High German words "lintel" (lintel) or "linte" (linen), reflecting the location's historical association with linen production or construction using lintels. However, without more specific context, it is challenging to determine the exact origin and meaning of the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Von-lintel

The meaning and origin of the last name Von-lintel

The surname Von Lintel originates from Germany, specifically the region of Westphalia. It is an aristocratic name derived from the Old High German words "hügel" (hill) and "lant" (land), which combined to form "Hügelant," meaning someone living on a hill or high ground. Over time, the name evolved into Von Lintel as a result of the addition of "von," a common German prefix indicating noble origin. The "Von" part signifies that the family was of noble status, while Lintel indicates the geographical location where they lived. This surname is found among the ancient families of Westphalia and is considered a name of high antiquity and prestige within the region's aristocratic circles.

Geographical distribution of the last name Von-lintel

The surname "von-Lintel" is predominantly found in Germany and neighboring regions, particularly within the Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse states. Historically, it originated from Lintzel or Linthe near Kaiserslautern in the Palatinate region. Due to migration and historical events such as the Thirty Years' War and the Palatine Succession, many bearers of this name have spread across Germany and other European countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Netherlands. The name may also be found in the United States, Canada, and other countries where German immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Von-lintel

The surname Von Lintel has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common variants include Van Lintel, Von Lintl, and Van Lintl. The name is a compound German surname, consisting of the prefix "von" indicating noble or knightly origin, followed by "Lintel," which may have origins related to various occupations such as a stone mason (from the Old High German word "lintal") or a dweller near a bridge or crossing (from the Middle Dutch word "lintel"). Other possible variations could include van der Lintel, van't Lintel, and van den Lintel, which incorporate the Dutch preposition 'van' meaning 'of' or 'from.' It is essential to note that each variation may have distinct regional distributions based on historical migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Von-lintel

Notable individuals bearing the surname von Lintel include:

1. Friedrich von Lintel (1799-1862), a German architect known for designing several significant buildings in Munich, including the Old Residence and the Bavarian National Museum.

2. Erwin von Lintel (1903-1945), a German military officer who served as an SS-Brigadeführer during World War II. He was involved in various atrocities against civilians in Eastern Europe, leading to his conviction and execution by the Allies after the war.

3. Lothar von Lintel (1904-1975), a German film actor who appeared in numerous films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including "The Blue Angel" alongside Marlene Dietrich.

4. Walter von Lintel (born 1948), a Swiss mathematician known for his work on algebraic number theory and Diophantine approximation. He is a professor at the University of Geneva and a member of several academic societies.

5. Felix von Lintel (1960-2013), a German stage designer who worked with various European opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London. He was known for his innovative and visually striking designs.

Genealogical research on the last name Von-lintel

The von Lintel surname is of German origin, primarily found in the Rhineland and Swabia regions. Historically, it is believed to be derived from a place named "Lintal" or "Linthal," referring to a settlement at the pass or valley (tal) lined with lindens, a type of tree. The first recorded instance of this surname dates back to the 13th century in the Swabian town of Esslingen. Throughout the centuries, several notable figures bearing the von Lintel name have emerged, such as Johannes von Lintel, who was an influential jurist and professor of law at Heidelberg University during the 17th century. The lineage continued with the noble family of Freiherr von Lintel, whose members held prominent positions in the military and politics within the Holy Roman Empire. Today, descendants of this lineage can be found across various parts of Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "von-lintel"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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