Surname Lampen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Lampen: What does the surname Lampen mean?
The last name Lampen is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘lampen’ which means ‘to shine’ or ‘to light up’. The name Lampen is often found in Germany and in the Low Countries of northwestern Europe and is of occupational origin.
The original bearer of this name likely worked as a lamp maker and was responsible for making glass, metal, and oil lamps. This means that the surname Lampen is the name of a person who was associated with the manufacture of lighting. In this way, the individuals with this name carried the tradition of their original profession as they moved around and passed it on to their children.
This name has spiritual and religious connotations as well, since lamps were used as light sources for homes as well as part of religious ceremonies. In Christianity, lamps are used to symbolize spiritual enlightenment and those with Lampen as a last name may carry a more spiritual name than one would expect.
Overall, the last name Lampen is associated with the production of lamps, spiritual enlightenment, and occupational identification. This name mirrors the importance of light and its significance in German and Christian culture.
Order DNA origin analysisLampen: Where does the name Lampen come from?
The last name Lampen is most commonly found today in the Netherlands, where is it is estimated that there are around 5,000 people with the Lampen surname. It is also present in Germany, with a further estimated thousand people having the name. Outside of Europe, Lampen is found relatively infrequently, with the largest concentrations of people with the name living in Argentina, Australia, and Canada.
The origin of the Lampen surname is unclear; some sources suggest that it is derived from a personal name such as Lambert or Lambrecht. It is likely, however, that ‘Lampen’ simply refers to a person who made or maintained lamps, as the name can be found included in records of members of guilds of lamp makers. In such records, Lampen is usually found abbreviated to ‘lam’ or ‘lamm.’
In the Netherlands, Lampen has historically been one of the more common surnames, though its frequency has declined since the 19th century. It continues to be present throughout the nation and is associated by many Dutch people with the cities of Rotterdam and The Hague. It has also been borne by a number of prominent Dutch people, including graphic designers, theologians, politicians, and writers.
Variations of the surname Lampen
The surname Lampen is of Germanic origin and has many variants, spellings and surnames derived from it. Some of these include Lamppen, Lamper, Lammers, Lompert, Laemmlein, Laempchen, and Laemper.
In the Low German language, the surname Lampen is derived from the word "lanp" meaning lamp. Thus, the surname was possibly first given to a person who lit lamps for lighting.
The earliest ancestry of the surname Lampen can be traced back to East Friesland, Germany in the early 12th century. In later centuries, the surname spread throughout Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia and is still common today in those countries as well as in the United States.
Variations of the surname Lampen found in Germany include Lampps, Lamp, Lampmann, Lamps, Lampten, Lampe, Lompert, Laemmot, Laemmlein, and Laempelmann. Spellings on the Dutch end of the spectrum include Lam, Lamers, Lammerts, Lombarts, Lommerts, Limbers, and Laempers. The surname Lampen is often confused with similar surnames such as Lampe, Lamper, and Litmanen, though none of these are directly related to the Lampen surname.
The Lampen surname is still found throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and other parts of the world. In the United States, the surname is found primarily in the Midwestern states, with concentrations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, as well as in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Famous people with the name Lampen
- Thomas Lampen: American artist known for creating vibrant works of art, often featuring nature.
- Philip Lampen: British composer, conductor and music director.
- Leo Lampen: South African film director and actor.
- Egon Lampen: German photographer and photojournalist.
- David Lampen: British professional cricketer.
- John Lampen: Australian sculptor and glassmaker.
- Melanie Lampen: Canadian poet and environmental activist.
- L.J. Lampen: Dutch storyteller and cartoonist.
- Steven Lampen: British film director and producer.
- Joe Lampen: American bass guitar play in the band Darkest Hour.