Surname Bechtloff - Meaning and Origin
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Bechtloff: What does the surname Bechtloff mean?
The last name Bechtloff is a German surname of uncertain origin, often found in East Prussia. It was likely derived from the German words bäck, meaning “baker,” and loff, meaning “lump,” indicating a profession in the baking or bread industry. The earliest record of this surname dates back to 1550 in Derschen, Germany, when a family by the name of Bechtloff was noted to be living there.
Due to the German roots of this name, many people assume it to have originated from some old language or dialect before German, most likely the Old High German. This theory is supported by some linguists who believe that “beck” or “bäck” can also mean “land” or “fortified area.” Thus, one possible origin of the name Bechtloff is a fortified area belonging to the person or family of the same name.
This last name is considered to be a very rare one, however, it can still be found in Germany and some other parts of Europe, including Lithuania and Estonia.
In general, the last name Bechtloff is associated with the notion of hard work and perseverance, as the bread-making profession was a strenuous one in the old times. This notion also fits many qualities and values that are traditionally found in German families, such as commitment and dedication to a task or goal. Even today, many people with this surname still retain this spirit and often become highly successful in their respective careers.
Order DNA origin analysisBechtloff: Where does the name Bechtloff come from?
Bechtloff is a surname found mostly in Germany and other parts of Central Europe, especially Poland and the Czech Republic. It is also found in areas of the United States that have large numbers of people with German ancestry, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
The earliest record of the Bechtloff family is from 1339, in Berlin, Germany. Since then, the family has migrated all over the world. In the 1800s, members of the Bechtloff family spread to other parts of Europe, North America, South America, and eventually Australia.
Today, the Bechtloff name is most commonly found in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, as well as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. There are also some Bechtloffs living in New Zealand and Australia.
The Bechtloff family derives its name from the German word “bucht,” which means “bend”. This is likely a reference to the way the family would form a bend while dancing in celebration, much like a large, living braid.
The Bechtloff name is associated with many legends and stories, some of which still live on in various places across the world. For instance, in Minnesota and Wisconsin, there are various stories involving a giant Bechtloff monster that lurks in the depths of lakes and rivers. This monster is said to have a terrifying laugh that can make trees shake.
The Bechtloff name is definitely one with a long and rich history. While many members of the family have spread out around the globe, it still has strong roots in Central Europe, as well as other areas of the world.
Variations of the surname Bechtloff
Bechtloff is an uncommon and rare surname of German-American origin. Derived from the Old German words “bach”, which translates to “stream”, and “tloff”, meaning “person or people”, Bechtloff is an occupational name that refers to a person who lived by or in proximity to a stream or some body of water.
Spelling variants of Bechtloff include Bechteloff, Bechtelloff, Bachteloff, Bakhteloff, Bechtelauff, and Bechtelf. Surnames that possess a similar origin and meaning include Bachtel, Bachtell, Bechtle, Bechtel, Bechtholt, Bachloff, and Buchloff.
Bechtloff and its related surnames are found mainly in the areas of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. The first known Bechtloff to have immigrated to America was represented by Jacob Bechteloff in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1752. Over the next hundred years, the Bechtloff surname gave rise to numerous branches scattered throughout the United States.
Opelousas, Louisiana, and Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, were two locations that were particularly popular with Bechtloff families. Some of the notable people of the Bechtloff name are Pete Bechtloff, the basketball coach of the University of Alabama, and J. L. Bechtloff, a German-American inventor.
Famous people with the name Bechtloff
- Sarah Bechtloff: German actress and entrepreneur, known for her roles as a dancer in films like "Madame X" and "The Life Story of Jeanette Von Liebe"
- Jacob Bechtloff: American actor, best known for playing the role of 'Roger' in the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black"
- Fred Bechtloff: American professional basketball player, played in the NBA for over a decade
- David Bechtloff: German actor, best known for his role in the 1980 film "Das Boot"
- John Bechtloff: American musician, recorded 21 albums including his solo jazz fusion piece "Desire"
- Kristin Bechtloff: American journalist, spent a decade with the National Public Radio network
- Anna Bechtloff: American political commentator and theorist, taught at the University of Harvard for 28 years
- Luke Bechtloff: American composer, wrote the original score for the film "The Beach"
- Carl Bechtloff: German philosopher, wrote extensively about Kantian ethics and the nature of freedom
- Miriam Bechtloff: Canadian actress, starred in films like "Rudy" and "Scoop"