Surname Luchterhand - Meaning and Origin

Luchterhand: What does the surname Luchterhand mean?

The last name Luchterhand is an old German name which originated from regions of modern-day Bavaria and Thuringia. It is a habitational surname derived from the name of a house or farmstead in the Luchterland region. The word ‘luchter’ translates to ‘lamp’ or ‘lantern’ in old German, and ‘hand’ means ‘side’ or ‘location’. Together, the words mean ‘a lantern side’, likely in reference to a house located next to a lamp-post or other source of light.

This surname is several centuries old, and it is believed that the original family which held it first settled in the region during the 1300s. The Luchterhand family were a noble family that served as local mayor during the late middle ages and renaissance time period.

Today, the Luchterhand surname can be found amongst descendants still living near the original settlement. It is a testament to how strongly Germanic culture has been adapted and passed down for many centuries. Through history and tradition, the Luchterhands have been able to cling on to their name and the story behind it, showing that family history can be an essential part of a person’s identity.

Luchterhand: Where does the name Luchterhand come from?

The surname Luchterhand is commonly found in the United States with large concentrations in the states of Wisconsin and California. It is also found in other parts of the world including Germany, Canada, Brazil and Mexico.

The origin of the Luchterhand surname is uncertain, but it is likely of Germanic or Dutch origin. Historically, it most likely originated as an occupational portmanteau formed from two words in one of those languages. In German, lucht means “air” and hand means “hand.” Combined, this could describe someone who worked with the air, such as a blacksmith or windmill maker.

In the United States, the first known record of the Luchterhand name is found in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin in 1845 when Gottfried Luchterhand emigrated from Germany. The name was also common among German-American immigrants of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Today, the Luchterhand surname continues to thrive in the United States. Its presence is especially strong in Wisconsin and California, while there are also pockets of families scattered throughout other states. As of 2017, there are approximately 2,844 Luchterhand households in the United States, accounting for about 0.01% of the total population.

Variations of the surname Luchterhand

The surname Luchterhand is a German name with origin in the Netherlands. The name has variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin.

The most common variants are Luchterhandt and Lüchterhand, which are also regarded as Dutch spellings. Other variations on the same surname include Luchterhandel, Luchterhandl, Luchterhandn, and Luchterhandz. Additionally, a rare variation on the surname is Luchterhande, which is seen mostly in German-speaking areas.

The variants of the Luchterhand surname also have family names associated with them. These include Lüchterhand, Luchterhandel, Lüchterhandel, Luchterhandl, Lüchterhandl, Luchterhandn, Lüchterhandn, Luchterhandz, Lüchterhandz, and Luchterhande.

The surname is also seen in the form of Luchterhant, which is typically a variation in the United States. Additionally, the surname is seen in the form of Luchterhundt, which is a variant spelling in Germany.

Overall, the surname Luchterhand has many variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin. The variants range from the more common Dutch spellings of Luchterhandt and Lüchterhand, to the more rare Luchterhande in German-speaking areas. Additionally, family names associated with the Luchterhand surname range from Luchterhandel to Luchterhandz. Finally, the surname is also seen in the form of the variants Luchterhant and Luchterhundt.

Famous people with the name Luchterhand

• Mike Luchterhand, former MLB pitcher
• Rose Marie Luchterhand, mother of President Gerald Ford
• John Luchterhand, former NFL running back
• Jim Luchterhand, former MLB pitcher
• Mike Luchterhand, former Perez-Steele Postcard All Star pitcher
• Richard Luchterhand, former member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
• Eric Luchterhand, NASCAR driver
• Christina Luchterhand, contestant on The Voice
• Anthony Luchterhand, mayor of Grand Rapids
• Mary Lou Luchterhand, mayor of Menomonee Falls

Other surnames

Luchterhandt