Surname Dellen - Meaning and Origin
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Dellen: What does the surname Dellen mean?
The last name Dellen is a surname of English origin. It is derived from a pre-7th century Gaelic surname that was first used as a nickname. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word doilen, which translates to puddle, pool, or a small body of standing water. This was likely used as a nickname for someone who lived or worked near or around bodies of water such as a farmer or fisherman. Dellen is also an English surname derived from the nickname "Del", meaning "of the valley".
The Dellen surname is quite rare, but historically the Dellens have been found predominantly in the English counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire. While the original meaning of the surname may be uncertain, those who bear the Dellen name today can take pride in its historic roots and the legacy that the Dellens have left.
Order DNA origin analysisDellen: Where does the name Dellen come from?
The last name Dellen is most commonly found in North America, especially in the United States. It is believed to be of either German or Dutch origin. The prevalence of this name is especially high in states across the Midwest and Great Lakes region, such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. It is also widely spread across the South, especially Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas. Dellen can also be found in many other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and California.
The prevalence of Dellen is due to its multiple waves of immigration into the United States. American settlers of Dutch-German descent may have brought the name over during the 17th and 18th centuries, while more recent generations from the same countries likely added to its numbers. This could explain why the name is especially concentrated in parts of the country that had a higher influx of European immigrants during this time, such as states along the Great Lakes.
Regardless of its place of origin, Dellen is fairly common throughout North America today. As with many last names originating from Europe, the name is rarely found outside of the United States and Canada. Its popularity may be attributed to its easy spelling and pronunciation, as well as its strong ties to European history and heritage.
Variations of the surname Dellen
The Dellen surname originates from a place name located in Germany. It is believed to have derived from the old German words 'Deling' which mean 'valley'. From this source, the surname Dellen (also spelled as Dehlen, Dellin, Dehlin and Dellien) has developed in many different variations and spellings across Europe.
In England, the Dellen surname is most commonly found in Lancashire and East and West Midlands regions. One of the earliest documented references of the Dellen surname was of a 'Robert de Elland' in the 1202 Pipe Rolls of Devon, England.
The most common variant of the Dellen surname is 'Dahlen', with other variants including 'Delehn', 'Dalin' and 'Dallin'. 'Dehlen' is particularly common in Sweden and Germany, while 'Dellen' can be found in England, Ireland and the United States.
The surnames Dellen, Dehlen, Dalin and Papa Dellenivin (meaning 'Valley Hillen') are particularly common in Italy and Malta. In France, Dellen is commonly found as 'Delin' or 'Dehlin'. The Dellen surname is also found in Denmark, Spain, Norway, Portugal and Poland as 'Dellen' or 'Dallin'.
In general, the Dellen surname has been carried through the centuries as a result of migrations and centuries-old family histories. In various countries, it has been adapted into more localized spellings, and entire branches of the family's heritage have grown around them.
Famous people with the name Dellen
- Michael Dellenback: Former U.S. Representative from Oregon (1975-1981).
- Kevin Dellenbach: American professional baseball pitcher who played for the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, and Oakland Athletics.
- Marino Dellenbach: Swiss figure skater and schoolteacher.
- Daniel Dellen: Austrian composer and musicologist who wrote many works for organ and voice.
- Isabelle Dellenbach: French journalist, lecturer, and writer.
- Albert William Dellen: American botanist during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
- Trisha Lynn Dellen: Canadian race car driver who competed in the CAN-AM Series.
- Karen Dellen: Dutch artist and landscape painter.
- Ingrid Dellen: German-born actress who has appeared in films and television series around the world.
- Dirk Dellen: Dutch memorial artist and sculptor known for his works related to World War II.