Last Name Von-steinbach

The surname "von Steinbach" is a German nobiliary particle "von" (of) followed by the place name "Steinbach." The word "Steinbach" translates to "stone brook" or "rocky stream" in English, indicating an origin connected to a geographical location where such a feature exists. The use of "von" before a place name was a way for German-speaking nobility and ruling families to signify their lineage and social status, often dating back to feudal times when land ownership was closely tied to one's identity and standing in society. It is important to note that the specific origins of the "von Steinbach" surname can vary depending on the region within Germany and the exact branch of the family, as many families with the same name emerged across different regions over time.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Von-steinbach

The surname von Steinbach is a German noble title derived from a location named Steinbach, which means "stone brook" in German. The name is often associated with the House of Steinbach, a medieval Swabian noble family that originated in the region of Swabia, present-day southwestern Germany. The family was first mentioned in documents during the 12th century and were ennobled by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in 1180. Over time, various branches of the von Steinbach family established themselves in different regions within Germany, with some also migrating to other parts of Europe, such as Austria and France. The surname is most commonly found among individuals of German descent today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Von-steinbach

The surname "von Steinfach" has its origins in Germany and is primarily distributed within the country, particularly in Baden-Württemberg, where it is one of the more common noble family names. Historically, the name is associated with the town of Steinfurt, now known as Steinfurt an der Murr, in present-day Baden-Württemberg. The name also has a presence in other parts of Germany, such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Outside Germany, von Steinfach is found in smaller numbers in neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands due to historical migrations and marital ties. It's important to note that the distribution and frequency of this surname can vary significantly depending on the specific spelling variations (e.g., von Steinfach, Steinbach, etc.).

Variants and spellings of the last name Von-steinbach

The surname Von-Steinbach has multiple variations and spellings due to historical, regional, and transcription differences. Here are some of the most common versions:

1. Von Steinbach
2. Vonsteinsbach
3. Vonsteinbach
4. VonSteinbach
5. Van Steenbach
6. Vansteenbach
7. Vansteinbach
8. Van-Steinbach
9. Vansteinbac (less common)
10. Von Stainbach (a slight variation, less common)
11. Von Stainbac (another slight variation, even less common)

These variations may also appear with different diacritical marks or without them, depending on the historical context and transcription practices. It's essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different surname but rather different ways of writing the same name.

Famous people with the last name Von-steinbach

Notable individuals with the surname Von Steinbach include:

1. Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898), a German statesman and politician, often referred to as the "Iron Chancellor." He played a crucial role in unifying Germany into the German Empire.

2. Albert Franz Johann Joseph Maria Maximilian Reichsgraf von und zu Steinbach (1790-1867), a Bavarian general during the Napoleonic Wars who was instrumental in the Battle of Aspern-Essling.

3. Hans von Steinaecker (1887-1952), a German general who served as Chief of the General Staff from 1940 to 1941 during World War II.

4. Max von Stephanitz (1864-1936), a German soldier and dog lover who is considered the founder of the German Shepherd breed. He founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) in 1899 to promote the breed's development.

These individuals, while sharing the last name, excelled in various fields such as politics, military service, and animal husbandry, making significant contributions to their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Von-steinbach

The surname Von-Steinbach is of German origin, specifically from the Rhineland region. It is an aristocratic name derived from the place-name Steinbach, which means "stone brook" in German. The first recorded mention of this surname dates back to the 13th century, with a certain Henricus de Steynbac appearing in documents from the County of Cleves. Over the centuries, various branches of the Von-Steinbach family emerged throughout Germany, some of which were ennobled or elevated to the peerage. Notable members include Friedrich von Steinbach, the architect who constructed parts of Cologne Cathedral in the 14th century, and Johann von Steinbach, a Prussian general during the Napoleonic Wars. The name has also been found among German immigrants to other countries, particularly the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "von-steinbach"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends