Schonfeld

Schonfeld, typically a surname of German or Ashkenazi Jewish origin, is derived from the German words "schön" (beautiful, fair) and "Feld" (field). It literally translates to "beautiful field" or "fair field." As a surname, it likely originated as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a beautiful or noteworthy field, or possibly as a topographic name.

The name may also have been an ornamental surname adopted by Jewish families during the period of mandatory surname adoption in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly within the Habsburg Empire and other German-speaking areas.

The surname Schonfeld, like many surnames, has variations in spelling, including Schoenfeld, Schoenfeldt, Schonfeldt, and Schönfeld. These variations often reflect regional dialects or transcription errors over time.

Notable people with the surname Schonfeld (or its variants) have included individuals in various fields such as mathematics, finance, and the arts. Researching genealogy databases and historical records is recommended for those interested in tracing the specific history of their family name.