Surname Barghahn - Meaning and Origin

Barghahn: What does the surname Barghahn mean?

The last name Barghahn has German roots and is derived from the Medieval German last name "Berhahne". It is believed to have originally been an occupational surname, most likely that of a huntsman or falconer. The name can be broken down into two parts: "berg", meaning mountain, and "hahn", meaning rooster. This suggests that the original bearer of the name lived in a high-altitude area and was involved in either the raising or hunting of birds like chickens or roosters.

The surname Barghahn first appears in German records in the 15th century, in a document from a clerical court in Karlsdorf in present-day Baden-Wurttemberg. This document shows a 2nd reference for the last name, and this time in the form of "Bergan".

In the early part of the 20th century, many people with this surname emigrated from Germany and Central Europe to various parts of the world, including North America, Australia and South America. It remains largely a German last name, but its origin can be traced back to many parts of Central Europe.

In summary, Barghahn is a German surname with roots in Medieval German, and likely originated from an occupational name. It has been recorded in various parts of the world throughout the centuries and was brought to new places by those who emigrated from Germany.

Barghahn: Where does the name Barghahn come from?

The last name Barghahn is primarily found in Germany today. It is of Germanic origin. The name is derived from the Middle High German elements 'barhe' and 'hahn', meaning "hare hunter" and suggesting an keen huntsman in the ancestral past.

At present, the Barghahn surname is most frequently found in North Rhine-Westphalia, one of the 16 German federal states. Individuals with the Barghahn surname are dispersed throughout Germany, with a particularly high population concentration in the city of Dortmund and in surrounding communities.

In addition to Germany, there are small populations of Barghahns located in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe, primarily due to emigration from Germany since the late 19th century.

In the United States, the Barghahn name can be found primarily in the Midwestern states of Michigan and Ohio. The United Kingdom has a smaller population of Barghahns, based chiefly in the London area. There are also individuals with Barghahn heritage living in France, The Netherlands and other parts of Europe.

Given its German roots, it is not surprising that the Barghahn surname is most popular in Germany today. The large German populations in regions across the globe explain why a small number of people with this surname can be located elsewhere.

Variations of the surname Barghahn

Barghahn is a surname of German origin. It appears in various spelling variations such as Barghorn, Bargen, Bargar, Barg, Burgen, Berghorn, Berghen, Berghoen, Berhhahn, Bergen, Burgher and Burghen.

The surname first appeared in German records around the 12th century as "Burggraf," from the German phrase "Burger Graf," which literally translates to "Count of the Burghers." Over time, these names evolved and various spellings appeared. In the 18th century, even more variations emerged in different parts of Germany.

Today, the name is prevalent in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States. In the United States, the name is also found as Barger, Bergen, Bergman, Burkhart, and Burkhoff.

Barghahn is also an anglicized version of the surname, with many spelling variations including Barghorn, Bargen, Bargar, Berghen, Berghoen, Berhhahn, Bergen, Burgher and Burghen. This last one is a common form found in many parts of the United States.

All these spellings all come down to the same origin, which is largely documented to be of German origin. Through the ages, each spelling variation appears to have been consistently used in different countries, and even at different times in history.

Famous people with the name Barghahn

• Margaret Barghahn: An American intellectual property attorney, Margaret Barghahn focuses her practice exclusively on patent, trademark and copyright litigation.
• Ann Aitchison Barghahn: Ann Aitchison Barghahn served as a foster parent in Texas for more than 30 years and is the founder of Guardian Angel Foster Care.
• Anthony Barghahn: Anthony Barghahn is an American attorney and publisher, best known as the founder of the Times-Mirror Corporation.
• Barbara Barghahn: Barbara Barghahn is an American historian and author, best known for her research into the historical and social context of medieval and Renaissance song and musical culture.
• Brian Barghahn: Brian Barghahn is an American financial advisor and real estate investor.
• Douglas Barghahn: Douglas Barghahn is an American lawyer who has built a significant legal practice with offices in Florida and New Jersey.
• Ethan Barghahn: Ethan Barghahn is a musician, composer, and social media influencer based in Los Angeles, California.
• George Barghahn: George Barghahn was an American farmer and civil servant, serving as postmaster in Baden, Wisconsin during the mid-1800s.
• Jennifer Barghahn: Jennifer Barghahn is an American author and former librarian, best known for her non-fiction books about animal behavior.
• Joseph Barghahn: Joseph Barghahn was an American journalist and editor for the New York Times, best known for his coverage of international news in the early 1900s.

Other surnames

BarghaanBarghan