Surname Zehn - Meaning and Origin
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Zehn: What does the surname Zehn mean?
The last name Zehn is of German origin. It derives from the old German word "zēno", becoming "zēna" and then "zehn" in modern German. The meaning of the word in German translates to "ten" in English. The name was likely originally adopted as a nickname to a person who was very precise or orderly, perhaps having to do with number or date-keeping. This could also have been an occupational name meaning one who was skilled in counting or arithmetic.
The Zehn surname is thought to have originated from the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Western Germany, an area known for its wine and rivers. As people moved around, the surname became more widely dispersed throughout German-speaking regions. Today, Zehns can be found in all areas of Germany, as well as other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Zehn name is still prevalent today and is especially popular in certain areas of Germany. Some of the variations of the Zehn surname include Zen, Zeh, Zehnen, Zehne, and Zain.
The last name Zehn is an interesting name with a unique history. It has spread far and wide from its German origin and continues to be popular throughout the world.
Order DNA origin analysisZehn: Where does the name Zehn come from?
The last name Zehn is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. This is likely due to the name having a Teutonic origin. 'Zehn' is a German word meaning 'ten' or 'the tenth', indicating that it may have originally been a nickname for a tenth child or for someone who was born in the tenth month. It may also have been used to refer to someone who worked in or owned a tenth part of something, like a field or a business.
The name is quite rare outside of German-speaking countries. Records show that there are few Zehn families living in the United States today, with the most concentration in Minnesota, New York, and Illinois. Canada also has a handful of Zehn families, primarily concentrated in Ontario and Quebec.
In Germany and Austria, the Zehn families still remain numerous throughout the country. It is especially more common in the regions closest to the Austrian and Swiss borders. Since at least the 12th century, the surname Zehn has been found in records and documents from these regions, and still maintains a strong presence today.
Variations of the surname Zehn
Zehn is an uncommon, German surname which originated centuries ago. The name has gone through several changes and spellings throughout its history.
In the United States, a majority of Zehn families can trace their roots to Pennsylvania, where the spelling is typically retained. Other variants of Zehn include Zehne, Zehnbauer, Zehndner, Zehnder, Zehnle, and Zehner.
The origin of Zehn is traceable to Germany in particular with records from the 1500s and earlier. Many sources suggest the surname was a result of places named Zehnhausen, Zehnthof, and Zehnheinrichs, all of which are located in the region of Silesia.
Other sources believe Zehn to be an occupational name. For example, if a family lived or worked around ponds, they could be referred to as “Zehner” which is a Germanized version of the English word “tender”.
In addition, Zehn is also sometimes spelled Zahn, which means “tooth” in German. It is believed that Zahn was used as an alternate spelling for people who had dental issues or were dentists.
Finally, the most common variant of Zehn is the Dutch form, Zeun. Zeun did not appear until the late 1800s and is most likely a spelling variation introduced by Dutch immigrants to the United States.
In conclusion, the Zehn surname has many variations, spellings, and sources throughout its history. Those who bear the name can trace their roots back to Germany and find many possible origins.
Famous people with the name Zehn
- Rainer Zehn, actor
- Tyson Zehn, competitive eater
- Maximilian Zehn, athlete
- Heinz Zehn, artist
- Franz Xaver Zehn, astronomer
- Peter Zehn, martial artist
- Günther Zehn, World War II veteran
- Ferdinand Zehn, author
- Bernhard Zehn, writer
- Wilma Zehn, visual artist