Surname Hempsen - Meaning and Origin
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Hempsen: What does the surname Hempsen mean?
The last name Hempsen is derived from the German word 'Hemps,' which is a contraction of the Middle High German word 'Hemmelsbrihte,' meaning "heavenly bright." It was most likely given as a nickname to someone with a radiant or shining appearance.
The origin of the name Hempsen is reflected in old family records, where it was used as a first name as early as the 13th century. It is thought to have originated in the region of the German states of Westphalia and Brandenburg. During the middle ages, the name was also found in other countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Today, the surname Hempsen is found in all parts of the world, although it is more common in the United States, Germany, and Scandinavia. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in the states of North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Although the surname Hempsen has no one-word meaning, it has been associated with light and brightness over the years. It can be interpreted as a reminder of the heavenly brilliance of the stars and the light of the Sun. The name is also thought to represent personal qualities such as strength, perseverance, and tenacity. No matter where it is found, the name Hempsen is sure to bring a touch of sunshine and positive energy to those who bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisHempsen: Where does the name Hempsen come from?
The last name Hempsen is most commonly found in northern Germany and neighboring countries. According to the genealogy website FamilySearch.org, the surname is particularly concentrated in the German states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Hamburg. The name is also found in other parts of Europe, including Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, and Russia.
The exact origins of the family name are unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the 10th century, coming from an old German word meaning “hemp,” likely referring to a family involved in the hemp business.
The Hempsen family today is believed to have descended from a 16th-century family named Hempen in Hamburg. This family may have initially been farmers or merchants, though some later members worked in professions such as law and medicine.
The Hempsen name has also spread to other parts of the world. But today, the most substantial populations of Hempsen descendants are still located in northern Germany and other parts of Europe.
Variations of the surname Hempsen
Hempsen is a surname with various spellings and alternate forms, including Hempen, Hempon, Hempna, Hempn, and Hempne, among others. This surname is derived from the Middle Low German personal name-forming element "hemp", or "henb", which was applied to individuals who lived in the region of Lower Saxony in Germany. The suffix "-sen" is a patronymic, meaning “son of”, making it likely that Hempsen is an occupational surname deriving from the business or trade of growing, manufacturing and/or selling hemp.
Hempsen is associated with many variants worldwide, some of which have become more developed surnames. In Anglo-Saxon countries, the most common variation is Hempstead, which has its own long history. In the Netherlands, "hemp" is colloquially translated to "homp", leading to the alternate surname of Hompen. In Indonesia, the Ashkenazi Jewish population adopted Redempen as their surname deriving from the combination of "Rede" (counselor) and "hemp" or "henb".
Hempsen is also related to more prestigious noble surnames in Europe, such as the Italian titles of the Marquisate of Acuto, dating back to the 12th century. In Prussia and Germany, the Princes of Nassau used Henneberg as their surname, which is believed to be an adaptation of Hempsen. In Germany itself, the Counts of Spiegelberg adopted Henenberg, while in Sweden, the aristocratic Von Hempsen family is believed to have been granted their noble title by the Swedish monarchy in the 18th century.
Regardless of its spelling, Hempsen is a very old surname with a long and multi-cultural history. It is a testament to the changes and migrations undergone by those who have been proud to carry its name.
Famous people with the name Hempsen
- Michael Hempen: Michael Hempen is a German professional football coach and former player. He is currently the assistant manager of FC St. Pauli, a German second-tier team.
- Erwin Hempsen: Erwin Hempsen is a German former footballer who played in the German Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. He is currently the manager of FC Ingolstadt, a German third-tier team.
- Susanne Hempsen: Susanne Hempsen is a German television presenter, who anchored the morning TV show ‘Gemeinsam den Tag beginnen’. She has also hosted the German version of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and many other shows.
- Stefan Hempsen: Stefan Hempsen is a German fashion designer who is renowned for his artistic expression and cutting-edge style. He has designed collections for many leading fashion labels, including Dolce & Gabbana.
- Gunter Hempsen: Gunter Hempsen is a German entrepreneur and business leader. He is the founder and CEO of the German technology solutions provider Betatech. He has also founded several other companies in the IT sector.
- Hans Hempsen: Hans Hempsen is a former German professional footballer who has represented clubs like VfB Lübeck, TSV 1860 München and VfR Neumünster. He is currently the managing director of FC St. Pauli.