Surname Löschau - Meaning and Origin
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Löschau: What does the surname Löschau mean?
The surname Löschau (also spelled Loschau, Loschko, or Losko) is a German occupational surname derived from the term "loschen," meaning "to extinguish." This likely refers to a person who had a career or occupation involving the extinguishing of fires or putting out of lights. The surname likely originated in various German states and in Austria during the medieval era.
The name Löschau is found across the European continent, primarily in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Romania. In the United States, Löschau is one of the more common German surnames in the states, particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
In German-speaking countries, the name Löschau is often associated with the concept of being a strong, courageous fighter. As such, it has even been seen as an ideal name for German military personnel over the years. It is also associated with the notion of being a risk-taker, as those who fought fires in medieval times had to constantly be on alert.
As with other German surnames, the spelling of Löschau may vary from region to region and from family to family. In some instances, it can be seen spelled as Loschau, Loschko, or Losko.
No matter the spelling, one thing is certain: the surname of Löschau carries a proud history and formidable legacy of bravery, courage, and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisLöschau: Where does the name Löschau come from?
The last name Löschau is most commonly found in the German region of Prignitz, as well as the cities of Wittenberge and Perleberg in Brandenburg. It is less common in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland, and further afield in foreign countries with German-speaking minorities, such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina.
The last name Löschau is thought to be of Slavic origin, and is believed to be derived from the word ‘loschau’, meaning ‘cleared land’. It is likely that the name became associated with an area where land was cleared for farming. It is believed that this name was first taken by a farmer who had cleared land in the Prignitz region of Germany in the Middle Ages.
Today, the majority of people bearing the last name Löschau are based in the Prignitz region. This is where the most concentration of the name is found, indicating that many have remained in the region. Despite this, there is evidence to suggest that members of the Löschau family have become distributed further afield, both nationally and internationally.
In Germany, Löschau can be found across the states of Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, and Hesse. Outside of Germany, the name also appears in parts of the United States, Canada, and Argentina, where it is likely that ancestors of the family immigrated to during the 1800s or early 1900s. Connections can also be made to Dutch, Poles, and Ukrainians, although it is unclear how these links were established.
Therefore, the last name Löschau is primarily found in the Prignitz region of Germany, although the family have become increasingly scattered across the world in recent centuries.
Variations of the surname Löschau
The surname Löschau is derived from a small hamlet located near the city of Bautzen in Central Germany. While its exact origins are unknown, it is thought to be a variation of the Medieval German words “lösch” and “au,” meaning “clear from a field” or “clear riverbank.”
The variants of the surname Löschau include Loschau, Lizau, Lissau, and Liszau. Interchanging the letter “o” with “a” or “i” is a common variation seen among German surnames, particularly when written in a middle or lower case format. Additionally, the “z” in the spelling of the surname is also common in variations of German words and surnames.
The surnames Lishau, Loscheck, and Loptau are all believed to be derived from the same source as the surname Löschau. All of these surnames originate from the same area of Germany, with variant spellings and surnames of the same origin appearing throughout the world in various countries and regions.
The surname Löschau has been passed down through many generations while entering new countries and assimilating with the cultures of those nations. Ultimately, anyone who shares this surname can trace their heritage back to the same small hamlet in Germany, regardless of the variations in the spelling or their eventual separation from their shared origin.
Famous people with the name Löschau
- His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI JosephRatzinger Von Löschau: The 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, who served as Pope from 2005 until his resignation in 2013.
- Dilingual Löschau: Author of the book “Do You Want to Know Me? An Autobiography of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI”.
- Elisabeth Löschau: German Contralto singer.
- Wilhelm Löschau: Socialist leader and twice an appointed minister in the Weimar Republic.
- Carl Friedrich Eduard Löschau: German ethnologist, educationist and social critic.
- Arthur Löschau: Elected Member of the Reichstag for the SPD from 1920-1930.
- Friedrich II. Löschau: Prussian General during World War I.
- Lars Löschau: German sprint canoer at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Alexander Löschau: German painter and printmaker from the Biedermeier era.
- Martin Löschau: German composer.
- Albert Löschau: Saxon- Anhalt photo journalist and painter.
- Michaele Löschau: Saxon-Anhalt's first woman mayor.
- August Löschau: A mayor of Weimar, who served from 1903 to 1919.
- Helene Löschau: Illustrator, comic artist and animator.
- Helmut Löschau: German racing cyclist who competed in the 1959 Tour de France.
- Reinhard Löschau: Member of the Swimming Hall of Fame for speed swimming.
- Frank Löschau: German actor.
- Anja Löschau: Politician.
- Jürgen Löschau: German mathematician.