Surname Madelung - Meaning and Origin
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Madelung: What does the surname Madelung mean?
The last name Madelung is of German and Jewish origin. In German, it means “strong” and is derived from the word “madelung” which specifically means “strong and steadfast”. The surname is thought to have originated from the Middle Ages when it was adopted as a family name by several noble families in Germany.
These families were known for their bravery and strength, earning them the Madelung name. This surname is very common in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, however there are also Madelungs that can be found in other areas of Europe, as well as North America.
In the Jewish community, the last name Madelung is also common, particularly amongst Ashkenazi Jews. Jewish Madelungs are believed to have adopted the surname when entering Germany and Austria in order to “Germanize” their name.
Today, the last name Madelung is still held by those who are proud of their strong, powerful lineage. It is a reminder of bravery, strength and resilience that have been passed down through the generations.
Order DNA origin analysisMadelung: Where does the name Madelung come from?
Madelung is a surname of Germanic origin, originating from northern Germany and traditionally known to be of noble origin. This surname is still shared by individuals with German heritage and can also be found elsewhere today, particularly in countries with close ties to Germany.
In the United States, Madelung is most commonly found in states with large populations of German-Americans, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Although this surname is not as heavily represented in the US, relative to other German-origin surnames, individuals bearing this name can be located in almost all states.
The same can be said for other countries which have been historically inhabited by German speakers. For instance, Madelung is not an uncommon name in any of the German-speaking countries of Europe. Switzerland, the Netherlands, and even countries further afield—like Australia and New Zealand—all include individuals with the Madelung surname.
So although its origin lies firmly in northern Germany, the surname Madelung is now found throughout the world, with people from many different backgrounds and nationalities proudly bearing it. It remains a testament to the global reach and influence of German customs, culture, and language.
Variations of the surname Madelung
The surname Madelung is a German surname which has a variety of spellings and variants.
The most common variant is Madelung, which is spelled Mädelung or Madlung in its older form. Other common variations include Madelang, Madeling, Madeleung, Madleung, Medelun, and Medelung.
Madelung is also occasionally written as Mädlung or Maitlung. The surname is derived from a German nickname meaning “compassionate” or “much sympathetic” and is also related to the Old German name Medola.
In some instances, Madelung can be found as an anglicised version of the Swedish surname Madsen. Madlung is another variant commonly seen in Sweden, where it is an abbreviation of the name Matilda.
Madelung is also found as a surname in the United States with a variety of spellings including Madlung, Madelang, Madeling, Madleung, Medelun, and Medelung.
Those with the surname Madelung can often be found in the German speaking countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is also found in migrations to other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
No matter which variation is used, people with the surname Madelung are thought to come from the same family.
Famous people with the name Madelung
- Wilfrid Madelung: a German orientalist and professor emeritus at the University of Oxford.
- Basim Madelung: a German-American physician and professor of internal medicine.
- Carl Madelung: a German philologist and classical scholar.
- Ernst Madelung: a German obstacle race equestrian who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics.
- Winfrid Madelung: a German general staff officer in World War I who reached the rank of Lieutenant General.
- Paul Madelung: a German-American mathematician and noted astronomer.
- Eugen Madelung: a German ophthalmologist and President of the German Ophthalmological Society during the World Wars.
- Wilhelm Madelung: a German philosopher, educator, and author.
- William Madelung: a German businessman and supervisory board chairman of the German aerospace company, Hapag-Lloyd.
- Christian Madelung: a German businessman, entrepreneur, and civic leader.