Surname Arnzen - Meaning and Origin
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Arnzen: What does the surname Arnzen mean?
The last name Arnzen is a German and Dutch surname of patronymic origin derived from the personal name Arn or Arnold. It is believed that the name was primarily popular in the Bavarian and Palatinate region of Germany as well as the Netherlands and then expanded to other areas of Europe including Scandinavia. The name is believed to have been derived from the old Germanic name Arnwald meaning “Eagle Power” or “Strength of an Eagle”.
In the past generations, Arnzen families likely worked as farmers, artisans, and merchants. Other associated professions include blacksmiths, farmers, millers, bakers, and butchers. Many Arnzen families have likely also traced their ancestors back to miners and miners' families. In more modern times, the surname can be found in many different professions, many of which don't appear to have a connection to farming, mining, or other past trades.
Given that many of those bearing the name likely migrated from Europe, there are undoubtedly many Arnzen families located in the United States and other countries with ancestral connections to Europe.
Overall, the last name Arnzen appears to represent strength, power, and determination, no matter what profession or task their ancestors undertook.
Order DNA origin analysisArnzen: Where does the name Arnzen come from?
The last name Arnzen is most commonly found in Germany. It is believed to have originated in the area of the Rhineland known as Westphalia. Records show that this surname was first used in the 14th century. It is thought to have derived from the Old German personal name Arnulf, which means "eagle wolf".
The surname Arnzen is still common in the western part of Germany, particularly in areas bordering the Netherlands like Lower Saxony and Hesse. There is also a concentration in rural areas around the Rhine river in North Rhine-Westphalia, and along the Danube river in Bavaria.
The name spread to other European countries in the 19th century when German immigrants moved abroad, mainly to the United States. Today, Arnzen is also found in Canada, France, Austria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Russia.
In the United States, the name is most prevalent in states with heavy German immigration like Indiana, Missouri, Colorado, and Texas. According to 2020 census data, it was found in all 50 states with the greatest concentration in Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The Arnzen name may have been altered in some instances, such as to Anzen, Ernzem, and Ernesen. Such variations may be found in Germany and other countries as well.
Overall, today the name Arnzen is most common in Germany, but can be found across the globe.
Variations of the surname Arnzen
The surname Arnzen is derived from the German name "Ahrens", which has multiple variants and spellings. In addition to Arnzen, some of the other variants and spellings include Arens, Arhnen, Ahrens, Ahrnsen, Ahrnzenn, Ahronsen, Arnenson, Arnesen, Arnhsen, and Ahrnesen.
Ahrens is derived from the German word "Ahre", meaning 'corn' or 'a grain crop'. Thus, the surname can be interpreted to mean 'the descendent of corn farmer', or 'the son of the grain grower', a very appropriate origin for a farming family in Germany.
Variants of the surname Arnzen, such as Arnsen, are also common in Dutch and Danish cultures. In Dutch, Arnzen is spelled as Arensen, and its Danish counterpart is Arnsen. Aside from these two, other variants such as Arnet, Arnnette, Arneto, Arnhook, Arnhold, and Arnetto may be found amongst Dutch and Danish families, but are more uncommon.
In Hungary, the surname Arnzen is spelled Arnóczin, or Arnůczin. Additionally, the surnames Arnhölzlein and Arndel may be derivatives of the surname Arnzen.
Overall, the surname Arnzen has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variants are derived from the German language and range from Ahrens to Arndel. In addition, the surname can also be found amongst Dutch and Danish families in various spellings and variants.
Famous people with the name Arnzen
- Michael Arnzen: prolific American horror fiction writer; winner of four Bram Stoker Awards and 2006 King Award for Excellence in an Anthology.
- Gary Arnzen: judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals who was elected in 2012.
- Brad Arnzen: professional American football player, drafted to the NFL in 2004.
- John Arnzen: digital media artist, writer, and programmer; has been featured in many publications and galleries around the world.
- Conrad Arnzen: Olympic athlete in the 1000 meter speed skating event at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.
- Sarah Arnzen: wrestler for the Lewis & Clark Community College in Illinois and competitor in the 2008 USA High School Nationals.
- Toni Ann Arnzen: entrepreneur, consultant, and entrepreneur advisor; has been featured in numerous publications such as Forbes and Harvard Business Review.
- Paul Arnzen: Germany’s most prominent marathon runner in the1980s.
- Dianne Arnzen: successful writer, speaker, and songwriter; author of numerous best sellers, including her autobiography, The Life of an Only Child.
- Dennis Arnzen: American artist; recipient of various awards and accolades such as the Cornish College of the Arts’ Distinguished Artist Award.