Surname Schelhorn - Meaning and Origin
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Schelhorn: What does the surname Schelhorn mean?
The last name Schelhorn is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German words 'schel' meaning 'clever' and 'horn' meaning 'dialect'. Put together, the name literally translates to 'clever dialect'.
The meaning may refer to someone who was known for being particularly sharp-witted or well-spoken. This could have been an advantage in medieval times, when clever speakers often rose to positions of power in the military or the church.
Schelhorn is known to have first appeared in tax records in the 15th century, indicating that even at that time the surname connoted some degree of skill, intelligence, or success.
The name has spread to countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. It can also be found in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Schelhorn is still a relatively uncommon last name, but individuals with this surname often rise to great heights due to their intelligence and creativity. They are often admired by their peers for their wit and communication skills. Many have achieved distinction in literary, scientific, or academic fields.
Order DNA origin analysisSchelhorn: Where does the name Schelhorn come from?
The last name Schelhorn is most commonly found in Germany today, although it is present elsewhere across the world. The etymology of the name is German, originating in the Middle High German term “Schalhorn,” which was itself derived from the word “schelhe” meaning scythe. Historically, the Schelhorn family were wealthy landowners in the Middle Ages, and were influential landowners in parts of western Germany.
In modern Germany, the last name Schelhorn is not as commonly encountered as some other German surnames. It is, nonetheless, present in some parts of Germany - primarily in states like North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse - as well as in Austria and Switzerland. It is also present in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
In the United States, the surname Schelhorn is most commonly found in the Midwest, and particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan - all of which contain relatively high concentrations of people of German descent. In the UK, it is most commonly encountered in areas such as London, South East England and East Anglia which contain larger numbers of people with German ancestry.
Finally, it is important to note that, although the surname Schelhorn is not particularly widespread outside of Europe, it is sometimes encountered in countries with large German-speaking populations such as Argentina, Brazil and Costa Rica.
Variations of the surname Schelhorn
The surname Schelhorn is of German and Dutch origin, and its variants are: Schelhorne, Schelhorne, Schellhorn, Schelhorn, Schelhorm, Schellhorm, Schellhorne and Schellhorn.
The earliest recorded form of the name is found in documents from 14th-century Germany and the Netherlands. The name is derived from the low German verb ‘schellen’, which means "to ring" or "to toll", an occupational name given to someone who made window or door locks. It was also used as an expression of authority.
The earliest recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Gert Schellherne, which was dated 1363 in the Oldenburg (Germany) Census records. Other variants of the name include Hendrick Schellhorn, which was dated 1586 in the Cologne Census, and Willebrand (Willem) Schellhorn, which was dated 1605 in the Dortrecht (Netherlands) Census records.
In the nineteenth century, many Schelhorn immigrants from Germany and the Netherlands settled in the United States, mainly in Pennsylvania. As time went on, some changed their spelling to Shelhorn, and others to Shelhorne. By the turn of the twentieth century, some had changed their spelling to Sharlon, Shelby, and Shearin.
Today, there are many spelling variations of the Schelhorn surname, from Schelhorn to Sharlon. Despite the surname's variants, many people of the same origin can trace their ancestry and share a common history.
Famous people with the name Schelhorn
- Alexander Schelhorn (1768-1842): German-born classical composer, singer, and music theorist.
- Jonathan Schelhorn (born 1978): American animator, illustrator, and film editor.
- Mary Schelhorn (born 1973): American professor of Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- European-American Diplomat Ferdinand Schelhorn (1813–1890): Served in the Civil War and was a prominent American diplomat.
- Charles Schelhorn (1912–1974): American painter, printmaker, and influential teacher of contemporary art.
- German Poet, author and intellectual Johann Schelhorn (1789-1879): Noted for his criticism of feudalism and Prussian policies.
- Austrian ophthalmologist John Schelhorn (1818-1891): Pioneered the use of corneal grafting to treat corneal ulcers and inflammation.
- German sculptor and illustrator August Schelhorn (1837–1913): Noted for his lifelike depictions of animals, birds, fish, flowers, and insects.
- Mary H. Schelhorn (born 1906): American politician who served as a State Representative in the Ohio House of Representatives in the late 1970s.
- Biochemist Walter Schelhorn (1897–1959): Noted for his research into the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.