Is Frankenstein a real surname?

Answer 1

From what I remember, it is the name of the family that owned the castle where Mary Shelly came up with the story.

I also remember that castle had a sordid past of a crazy, scientist guy who was obsessed with finding an elixir of immortality. He tried all sorts of concoctions in his quest. He was found dead of poisoning. The castle when to the Frankensteins but kept its horror story. This may have contributed to the story of Frankenstein and his monster. The extra creepiness I guess. The funny part is that this crazy scientist guy was not named Frankenstein. He doesn't even get to have his name immortalized thru a legendary monster.


Here is a wiki link that talks of the origin of the name. I was close but not exactly on mark.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein

Answer 2

Yes and an actual person in history. According to legend Frankenstien's monster was made up of body parts accumulated from the dead and then brought to life using electricity.

According to medical history Dr Erik Von Franken, commonly called Frankenstein in German , was the first surgeon to re-attach a severed limb and he pioneered reattachment surgery.

Answer 3

Whether it was or not at the time, it is now:

http://frankensteinweb.com/
http://www.cpcs.umb.edu/faculty/frankenstein.htm

More research uncovers it predates Shelley's work:

http://genforum.genealogy.com/frankenstein/messages/8.html (1816) vs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein (1818)

Answer 4

I like eating Frankenstein popsicles during halloween, it amkes my tongue green and people think I'm sexy.