Surname Olbricht - Meaning and Origin

Olbricht: What does the surname Olbricht mean?

The last name Olbricht is an old German name derived from the Middle High German words 'ol' and 'brecht'. The name literally translates to 'ancestor brightness', referring to the long-lasting traditions and heritage of the family line.

This is a fairly common last name in Germany, mostly locating to the east German parts of the country. In other countries, it is not quite as well known.

The family of Olbricht likely originated from western regions of Thuringia and Saxony, as evidenced by its presence in those areas since the early middle ages. For centuries, the name was associated with Knights of the Teutonic Order, although today there are many non-knightly members of the family.

The coat of arms of the family mostly includes depictions of a bear, which may have heraldic connections to an ancestor of the family. There are also sometimes helmets and swords present, likely referring to the proud military history of the Olbricht family.

The Olbricht family is a proud one that maintains its long tradition of loyal service and honorable legacy. In modern times, the family name may not be quite as common, but it still has a long history and rich cultural significance.

Olbricht: Where does the name Olbricht come from?

The last name Olbricht is most common today in German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

In Germany, the last name Olbricht is especially prevalent in the eastern regions of Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony. According to data from the Central Institute for Statistics of Germany, in 2020 more than 8,000 people in Germany carried the surname Olbricht.

Austria is also home to many people with the last name Olbricht. Recent census data reports that the last name can be found in all nine of the country’s federal states. Nearly 2,400 people living in Austria claim the surname Olbricht as part of their heritage.

In Switzerland, nearly 900 individuals are said to be living with the name Olbricht. This family name is most commonly found in the Glarnerland and Uri cantons of eastern Switzerland.

Despite their commonalities in German-speaking countries, there are also many individuals with the surname Olbricht who have emigrated to other parts of the world. There is a noteworthy population of this last name in the United States, particularly in the states of Texas and Kentucky.

All in all, the last name Olbricht is fairly widespread throughout German-speaking countries and their immigrant populations. Its prevalence in so many areas of the world is a testament to its robust heritage.

Variations of the surname Olbricht

The surname Olbricht can have multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. This family name can be spelled Olbracht, Olbrecht, Olbrechts, Olbrich, Olbrect, Olbrecht, Olbrects, Olbrycht, Olbrict, Olbryhts, Olbrekt, Olbrekts, Olbrutz, and Olbrutzs. These variants of the surname Olbricht come from two different origins.

The most common origin for the surname Olbricht is German, coming from Middle High German and meaning “old bright” or “old light.” This name likely originated with some referring to an ancestor who had bright hair or was one of the first to settle in the area and represent the light of progress.

The other variant of the family surname comes from the Dutch language. In this case, Olbricht refers to a river trading family, and the name means “by the hill,” where the family was known to live.

No matter the origin, this family name is found in many European countries, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and France. There are even some American families who trace their roots back to a European Olbricht. Of course, with any surname, spelling variations may be found across multiple countries and even between different family branches.

Famous people with the name Olbricht

• Andreas Olbricht: German entrepreneur and founder of the creative think tank Studio A:E.
• Edmund Olbricht: German General in the Wehrmacht during World War II, who was executed for participating in the failed attempt on Hitler's life in 1944.
• Michael Olbricht: German landscape architect, horticulturist, and writer.
• Hinnerk Olbricht: German post-war art collector and art historian.
• Alfred Olbricht: German painter and sculptor from East Prussia, known primarily for his landscapes and naturalistic works.
• Ernst Rudolf Olbricht: German Protestant theologian and religious writer.
• Joachim Olbricht: German tenor and opera singer.
• Alexander Olbricht: German aircraft designer and developer, most notable for his designs for the Focke-Wulf 190.
• Walter Olbricht: German general of the Waffen-SS during World War II, later convicted of war crimes in the Nuremberg Trials.
• Paul Olbricht: German landscape and animal painter, lithographer, draughtsman, and art professor.

Other surnames

Olbrich