Surname Meinen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Meinen: What does the surname Meinen mean?
Meinen is a German surname derived from the Latin word mannus, meaning “man” or “person”. It is a noun reflecting individual or collective human identity and is derived from manne, a Middle High German word meaning “man”.
The name Meinen is most associated with Germany and the Germanic countries of Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. In Germany, it is one of the top 500 most popular surnames, and is believed to be a relic from the Middle Ages. It is also estimated that 4,500 people in the United States bear the name Meinen.
Many individuals with the last name Meinen have found success in various fields, from business and politics to technology and science. Some notable individuals include Investors Pierre Meinen, Software Engineer Rob Meinen, Politician Anton Meinen, Actor Paul Meinen and Actress Karen Meinen.
Meinen has come to carry its own distinct identity through its use by those individuals. It serves to commemorate the legacy of those who share the name and to represent the communities in which they live. It has come to represent a distinct value: a strength of character and a way forward.
Order DNA origin analysisMeinen: Where does the name Meinen come from?
The last name Meinen is found mostly in Europe today. Most of the people with the last name live in Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium. In Germany, the name is primarily concentrated within North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Those who live in the Netherlands are found mainly in the province of Limburg and then scattered in the other provinces. In Belgium, especially Flanders, the last name is quite common.
Outside of Europe, people with this last name can be found living in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil. The largest number of people with the Meinen surname outside of Europe are found in the United States, particularly in states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and California.
The last name is derived from the Germanic language and means “friend,” “companion,” or 'peaceful.' Historically, the Meinens often lived near rivers and streams as farmers and fishermen. Today, many people with the last name still make their living through agriculture in Europe, though others pursue various professions.
Variations of the surname Meinen
The surname Meinen is a variant spelling of Mayne, Mennen, Menne and Meynen. It is an occupational surname of German and Dutch origin. It is derived from the Middle High German 'menninc', meaning 'follower of a nobleman', and is likely to have been adopted by someone employed in such a capacity.
In the German language, this surname is also found in other spelling variants such as Meynen, Mennen, Monne, Meinois, Meinen, Maya, Menneno, Menen, Mennekens, Meyniers, Meynier, Meyn, Menin, and Menno. There are also variants found outside of Germany such as Menno, Mennen, and Meneen in Austria, and Meneen in France.
In Dutch, the spelling of Meinen can be found as Maene, Maenen, Maayen, Meeuen, Mennen, Meanen, Meijnen, Menten, Mennink, and Menninken.
The modern versions of the surname Meinen can be found in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, the German-speaking regions of Switzerland and Austria, and the United States. The spelling has also been corrupted by those who immigrated to English-speaking countries, so variations exist like Mennon, Minn, Monen, Menn, and Menin.
Famous people with the name Meinen
- Joe Meinen: former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Meaghan Meinen: Canadian beauty pageant winner, Miss World Canada 2006
- Sophie Meinen: Canadian actress
- Albert Meinen: German athlete who participated in the 1900 Summer Olympics
- Earl Meinen: American football coach
- Roger Meinen: Belgian footballer
- Klaus Meinen: German music producer and audio engineer
- Dave Meinen: Canadian professional golfer
- Juergen Meinen: German rower
- Henri Meinen: Belgian boxer