Surname Schreckhaas - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schreckhaas: What does the surname Schreckhaas mean?
The last name Schreckhaas is an old German surname derived from the Middle High German word "schrec" meaning "fright" or "terror". It is believed that this name was originally given to someone with a reputation for being terrifying or frightening in some manner, perhaps due to their formidable physical size or manner. The name likely arose as a nickname or descriptive term that entered into common usage within families and ultimately became a formal surname.
Schreckhaas is a rare name in both Germany and the United States, though it is most common in the Midwest and in regions of the United States close to the German-speaking parts of Europe. Additionally, some German migrants to America in the late 19th and early 20th century may have been known by this surname as well.
As a surname, Schreckhaas likely has roots in military or noble history, as many German surnames of this form can be traced to men distinguished in warfare or conferred positions as a result of noble patronage. It is likely that the namesake of the Schreckhaas family was a powerful man, feared by his enemies and respected by his peers, who was somehow linked to the family at some point in its past.
Order DNA origin analysisSchreckhaas: Where does the name Schreckhaas come from?
Today, the family name Schreckhaas is most common in Germany and the Netherlands. In Germany, it is especially common in the states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and North Rhine-Westphalia. In the Netherlands, it is most common in the province of Noord-Holland.
The Schreckhaas family name is believed to have originated in Germany, and is derived from the name “Schreck” (Old High German: scrit-haas, meaning "frighten/scare hare"). This name was likely given to someone who was brave or bravely defended their family and homestead.
Historic records of the Schreckhaas family name can be found in Germany dating back to the 1400s. The oldest known record is of a Margret Schreckhaasse who was born in Frankfurt in 1430.
In the 21st century, the Schreckhaas family name is continuing to spread, especially throughout Europe. In England, the family name is becoming increasingly more common, with genealogy records showing a significant presence of individuals carrying the Schreckhaas name. Additionally, records of individuals with this name are found in the United States, in both Pennsylvania and California.
Overall, the Schreckhaas surname is one of the oldest family names, with a rich history spanning continents, centuries, and cultures. Today, it is found throughout Germany, the Netherlands, England, and parts of the United States. It is especially prominent in Germany, where the name is believed to have originated.
Variations of the surname Schreckhaas
The Schreckhaas surname is commonly found in Germany, and the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Schreckhas, Schreckhäuser, Schrekhauser, Schrekhaus, Schrekheus, Schrekhaasen, Schröhaas, Schröhäas, Schröhäser, Schröhäuser, Schröhaster, Shreckhaas and Schreckhasse.
Schreck has been used as a given name and surname in Germany since medieval times. Its roots are derived from the Middle High German words ‘schrecken’ and ‘schrecklichen’ which mean ‘to frighten’ or ‘horrible’. It was likely used to denote a fearsome or formidable person.
The variant surnames of Schreckhaas and its various spellings derived from a combination of the words schreck and haus, which means ‘house'. This origin is likely due to the common practice of adopting place names as surnames in the 16th or 17th century.
In some parts of Germany, choreographers kept record of villagers of their town, and listed them as off their surname. This meant that Schreckhaas could be found in records as Schreckhaus, Schreckhaauser, Schreckheus, Schreckehausen, Schröhaas, Schröhäas, Schröhäser, Schröhäuser, Schröhaster, Shreckhaas and Schreckhasse.
Originally, the Schreckhaas surname was usually preceded by a given name. This is where the prefix ‘von’ originated and is mostly found on surnames today, in accordance with German name conventions.
Famous people with the name Schreckhaas
- Max Schreckhaas: German golfer who has won multiple senior tour titles and has competed in several majors; also founded the Max Schreckhaas Golf Academy in 2004.
- Arno Schreckhaas: German actor and director who has appeared in various television films and shows.
- Fabian Schreckhaas: German professional football player currently playing for FC Viktoria Köln.
- Willem Schreckhaas: Dutch writer and journalist, most known for his book, “Light and Darkness: A Perspective on Hope”.
- Jan Schreckhaas: German composer, arranger and conductor, founder of the SchreckMusic Choir and Orchestra.
- Daniel Schreckhaas: American artist and sculptor, known for his large-scale installations in public spaces in the US and Europe.
- Markus Schreckhaas: German angel investor and venture capitalist, founder of the venture capital firm Millcharheaus.
- Berthold Schreckhaas: German physicist who was one of the first to experimentally prove Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity in the 1960s.
- Yvonne Schreckhaas: German biologist and environmental scientist, known for her contributions to the conservation of endangered species.
- Christian Schreckhaas: German sculptor, known for his striking, abstract bronze sculptures on public display throughout Europe.