Surname Michelsohn - Meaning and Origin
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Michelsohn: What does the surname Michelsohn mean?
The last name Michelsohn is of Jewish origin and is a variation of the Hebrew name "Michailsohn". It originated from the biblical name “Michael”, derived from the Hebrew word mikhael, meaning “who is like God?” It stems from the words mihail and el, meaning “who is like God?", suggesting that the bearer of the name is like God – righteous and powerful. It is also the name of an archangel in the Bible, which further emphasizes its spiritual and, perhaps protective, implications.
The name Michelsohn likely came about when Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe added a suffix to the end of the traditional Michael surname, signifying that the family was the son of Michel. Thus, Michelsohn literally translates as “son of Michel” or “son of Michael”, and reflects the Jewish custom of using patronymic naming, or naming children after their father.
The primary meaning ofMichelsohn, then, is “son of Michel or son of Michael”. It also brings to mind qualities of righteousness and power, and suggests a strong spiritual connection to God. This last name is reflective of a rich Jewish history, and carries with it the legacy of a beloved biblical figure.
Order DNA origin analysisMichelsohn: Where does the name Michelsohn come from?
The last name Michelsohn is most common today in Germany, particularly in the German state of Nordrhein-Westfalen. It is also seen in areas of Central and Eastern Europe that were formerly part of the German empire. In addition, the last name is found in smaller numbers in the United States, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Australia.
In Germany the surname is typically spelled Michelsöhn. It has its origins in Low German (the former language of the area today known as northern Germany), originating from the Middle Low German surname "Michilsah" or Michilsöhn, which can be translated as "son of Michel".
The surname Michelsohn is most likely derived from a given name, Michel. Michel is a variation of the Hebrew name Michael, which means "who is like God?". Thus, the name Michelsohn likely points to a familial connection between the original holder of the name and either a patriarch in the family or a patron saint.
While the name is found throughout Europe, the areas of highest concentration for the Michelsohn name are in Germany, the United States, and Central and Eastern Europe. Although small in numbers, the Michelsohn family legacy is still present today.
Variations of the surname Michelsohn
The Michelsohn surname is spelled in many different ways, making it difficult to trace its origins. The most common variations of Michelsohn are Michaelsohn, Michelson, Mikeson, Mykalson, Michaelson, Mihalovich, Mickelsen, Mikalson, Mikalsen, and Mikkelsen. Other noted spellings include Malkinson, Mielesen, Mihalkovich, Mikhalievich, Millsen, and Milschon.
The surname Michelsohn has many variations around the world and can have different origins depending on the country. In Austria, the name is believed to be derived from the old Polish name Mikolajsohn which was originally a patronymic derived from the first name Mikolaj which in English is translated as Nicholas. This root word Mikolaj is believed to be derived from the Greek root name Nikolas.
In Germany, the surname Michelsohn is believed to have originated with the Old German first name Michilo which is derived from the German name Michael. This root name Michael is believed to be derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el. The surname can also be derived from the Spanish surname Milson which in Latin is derived from Michael.
The surname Michelsohn can also have a British origin. The British variant Mackelson is likely an Anglification of the German surname Miguelsohn. In Scotland, the name is thought to have derived from the Gaelic name Meic Dhailt, meaning “son of the sea.”
The Michelsohn surnames can also be found in other countries around the world such as Ukraine, France, South Africa, and Russia. They are all variations of Michael and Mikolaj or its equivalent from other languages.
Famous people with the name Michelsohn
- William Michelsohn is an American banker and venture capitalist who holds a degree in law from Harvard University.
- Peter Michelsohn is an American actor and film producer who has appeared in films such as “Happy Gilmore” and “Remember the Titans.”
- Ulli Michelsohn is a German sculptor and painter whose work has been featured in galleries in cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Düsseldorf.
- Lawrence Michelsohn is an American-born French film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer who has worked on films such as “Before the Dawn” and “Flesh and Fantasy.”
- Axel Michelsohn is a German film and theater actor whose work has been seen in films such as “My Son the Fanatic” and “Hart's War.”
- Philip Michelsohn is an Australian actor, best known for his roles in films such as “The Castle” and “In the Name of the Father.”
- Robert Michelson is an American photographer best known for his work on the “Field Guide to the Grand Canyon” and “Field Guide to the Colorado Plateau.”
- Arthur Michelsohn is an American author and humorist, whose books include “My Worst Year” and “Busted: Tales From the Clink.”
- Neel Michelsohn is an American journalist and author whose work has been featured in publications such as Esquire, GQ, and The New Yorker.
- Gary Michelsohn is an American hate crime expert and author whose books include “Hate Crimes: Confronting Violence Against Lesbians and Gay Men” and “Tommy as Me: The Autistic Journey of a Gay Man.”