Surname Oberlein - Meaning and Origin
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Oberlein: What does the surname Oberlein mean?
The last name Oberlein is of German and Jewish origin. The name is derived from the German phrase 'ober lein' meaning above law.
The surnames of German and Jewish origin often came about as people began living in cities during the Middle Ages. Citizens living in cities needed to identify themselves to authorities and to one another, so a system of surnames was developed. They were changed from place names, occupations, or other characteristics to be more individualized and easier to remember and identify.
Typically, Germanic surnames are formed by adding either an "-er" or a "-lein" to the end of a root word. Oberlein is derived from the root word "Ober," which means “upper,” “superior,” or “above.” Therefore, the surname Oberlein could have originally referred to someone of higher or superior authority, status, or rank.
The Oberlein surname is associated with a variety of spelling variations. Some of them include Oberlin, Oberly, Oberley, Obyrne, O'byrne, and Obermeister.
Given its association with someone of higher rank or superior authority, the surname Oberlein could have easily become associated with wealth, power, and influence. During medieval times, the surname could have identified a person with a better education or social standing. In modern times, it still is associated with someone of the upper echelons of society.
Order DNA origin analysisOberlein: Where does the name Oberlein come from?
The surname Oberlein is most commonly found in Germany, where the name originated. It is also present throughout a number of surrounding countries, such as Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. In Germany, depending on the local dialect, the name might be spelled Oeberlein or Ueberlein.
Within Germany, there are several areas where the name is particularly common. These places include the administrative region of Saxony, located in the southeastern part of the country, stretching from the Czech border to the shores of the Baltic Sea. It also appears in the regions of western Bavaria and the northern portions of the state of Baden-Württemberg.
In addition to the original home of Germany, the surname Oberlein is also seen in countries with strong German immigration, such as the United States and Canada. In the US, it is most common in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. It is also present in a number of eastern European countries where German immigrants settled, such as Serbia and Romania.
The surname Oberlein appears in a number of records from a variety of periods, from the 13th century to modern times. In 1390, for instance, a man named Berthold Oeberlein is recorded in Nürnberg. Records also show that this surname has been held by members of the nobility, and various branches of the Oberlein family have produced rulers, mayors, priests, judges, and politicians.
Today, Oberlein is a relatively well-known surname in Germany and some other parts of the world. It is particularly common in areas where German immigrants have settled.
Variations of the surname Oberlein
The surname Oberlein is a German, Jewish name with German roots and Jewish variants. It has been spelled in many different ways including Austerlein, Aussserlein, Obrlein, Oberline, and even Oberly.
This name likely originated in the Middle Ages as an occupational name given to those who were in charge of industry or commerce, such as millers and traders. It could also have been given to someone living near a stream or river.
Oberlein is formed from two German words. The first, “Ober”, is a German word meaning upper or higher places and places of authority. The second, “Lein,” is derived from the German word “leine” which is related to a type of rope used to bind wool together as well as watercourses or streams.
Thus the name is thought to have originally had the meaning of “the one who owned or managed an area above or near a stream or river,” which is also what the variants of the name reflect. Aussserlein, for example, is derived from the German word “aussser,” which meant “outside” or “outside of the area of authority”, Obrlein was likely derived from the German word “Obr” which roughly translates to “upper area of an agricultural property” and Oberline is derived from the Old German words for “on the hillside”.
Today, the main spelling of the surname remains Oberlein but many variants are still used in different countries.
Famous people with the name Oberlein
- Laura Oberlein: American singer and reality television star who rose to fame after appearing with pop royalty Justin Bieber on his VIP tour.
- Anthony Oberlein: American actor from the film, tv and theatre industry. He is most well-known for his role as the bartender in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”.
- Robert Oberlein: German-American independent filmmaker and animator who directed, edited and produced several works such as “The Incredible World of Bentley” and “Blood Rivals”.
- Rose Oberlein: German artist in the Expressionist style and a winner of several art and writing awards.
- Lawrence Oberlein: American distance runner who won bronze medal at the 1932 Olympic games.
- Janice Oberlein: Canadian-born theatre producer and stage manager best known for founding Canada’s Creative Theatre Productions in 1995.
- Martha Oberlein: American fashion designer with successful career in the 1930s and 1940s. Was credited with helping to revolutionize women’s clothing design.
- Arnold Oberlein: Austrian architect and master builder who built several significant structures in Vienna like the Karlskirche and the Türkenbastei.
- Katherine Oberlein: English theatre actress who was lauded for her performance as Cordelia in King Lear.
- Hunter Oberlein: German basketball player, playing for the Gotha Rockets and having a successful college career.