Surname Behnsen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Behnsen: What does the surname Behnsen mean?
Behnsen is a German surname. Unfortunately, its specific meaning is unclear because it does not seem to relate directly to a particular word or profession in German. It is possible that it may have geographic origins, relating to a place or a geographic feature in Germany. Surnames of this kind were often given to reference where a family originated or where they lived. It might also have arisen from a given name or a nickname. More research would be needed to say definitively.
In any case, as with all surnames, it has been passed down through generations, and has been used to identify a certain lineage or family group. Surnames often came into use in Europe as the population grew and more people needed to be distinctly identified, so it's likely that Behnsen has been in use for many hundreds of years. Today, people with the surname Behnsen can be found in various parts of the world, as families have migrated and spread over time.
Order DNA origin analysisBehnsen: Where does the name Behnsen come from?
Behnsen is a surname of German origin. The name likely originated from Northern Germany, particularly in the region of Lower Saxony, as many surnames ending in "-sen" are typically found in this area. This suffix usually means "son of," so Behnsen could possibly translate to "son of Behn". This specific surname, however, is not particularly common, even within Germany.
Beyond Germany, it's also found in countries like Denmark and other regions known for strong historical German influence. Additionally, thanks to various waves of immigration over the centuries, the surname Behnsen can also be found in nations across the globe, particularly in the United States and Canada.
However, it's worth noting that the prevalence and commonality of the Behnsen surname can vary significantly from one region to another. Even though it's a German surname, it may not be particularly widespread in Germany today, and may be more common in other countries due to patterns of emigration and immigration.
Variations of the surname Behnsen
The surname Behnsen most probably has German origins. Similarly, sounding surnames that might be variants or derivative surnames, include Behnen, Behnke, Behn, Behrend, Behrends, and Behrendt. These surnames are all popular in Northern Germany, particularly in regions like Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein.
Spellings can also differ due to regional preference or transliteration into other scripts. Variations of spellings may include Behnsan, Behnson, Behnzen, or even Benhsen.
Also, consider that over time, some families may have changed or simplified their surnames, thus introducing a broader range of possible variations. Therefore, surnames like Benson, and Benzen could potentially be of the same origin.
However, it should be noted that the establishment of an exact connection between these surnames would require genealogical research or genetic testing. The historical context, including migration patterns, language changes and local customs, can significantly influence the evolution of surnames.
Overall, Behnsen and its variants are likely to be patronymic surnames, originating from the personal name 'Behn' or 'Ben', which is a short form of the name Bernhard, meaning "bear-hard" or "brave as a bear" in Old German.
Famous people with the name Behnsen
- Tim Behnsen: Playwright and actor known for his roles in movies like “Queen Liebe und Eifersucht” and others.
- Otto Behnsen: An actor known for his participation in the film "In jenen Tagen" from 1947.
- Borris Behnsen: A Transportation Department worker renowned for his work on the 2009 film, "Inglourious Basterds." Please note that the surname Behnsen is not very common, and there aren't many notable figures with this name, especially in English-speaking contexts. As such, the level of fame these individuals may hold can vary.