The Ernewein Surname

Etymological origins of ‘erne’ lie in Old High German ‘ar(a)no’ and Proto-Germanic ‘*arô’, relating to eagles. In Swiss surnames like Arn, Arni and Erne, ‘erne’ references a place of eagles’ nests. Swiss migrations to Alsace began in the 13th century, so Ernewein could represent a transplanted Swiss name. However, as a native Alsatian signpost name it would not require this migration to emerge locally.  ‘Wein’ is from Old High German ‘wîn’ for ‘wine’. Vineyards in Alsace date to Roman settlement.

Linguistic, geographical, and historical evidence shows the elements of Ernewein had meaning in Alsace and surrounding regions in the Middle Ages. While an origin in migrating Swiss populations is possible, as an organic Alsatian signpost name it would represent local landscape features.

Today Ernewein remains by far most common in Alsace, France. Small clustered populations also exist in German immigrant communities of Canada, and America particularly around Walkerton, Ontario and Jamestown, NY.

In conclusion, Ernewein appears to be an Alsatian locative surname dating to the 14th century, either signifying a place of vineyards and eagles’ nests, or metaphorically meaning ‘loyal friend’. Its establishment in Alsace was likely due either to centuries-old vineyard culture and an enduring regional interest in birds of prey, or the preservation of an characteristic Alsatian surname as families or villages moved over time. Whichever theory proves correct, the name Ernewein stands as a small but evocative part of Alsatian onomastic history.