Surname Behne - Meaning and Origin
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Behne: What does the surname Behne mean?
The last name Behne is of German origin and is derived from the old Germanic personal name Bodo, which is also the source of the surnames Behan and Behenna. The name Bodo is thought to have come from the ancient Germanic words “bodo” or “bodan” meaning “warrior” or “fighter”. The last name Behne was first seen in the Old Saxon/ Flemish region of Northern Germany and is found in many regions of Germany, as well as in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and South Africa.
Behne is a common German surname and can refer to a wide variety of families from different regions and backgrounds. It is believed that some of the families carrying the Behne name are descended from ancient nobility and are descendants of the Old Saxon rulers. Others may descend from commoners or farmers who adopted the Behne surname to differentiate their family from others in their area.
The Behne family has many unique and interesting traits that have been passed down through the generations. They value hard work, loyalty, and have a strong sense of dedication. There is also an appreciation for the outdoors, nature, and the satisfaction of completing a task. The Behne family is known for its strong sense of family and tradition and often celebrates family milestones with annual gatherings.
Today, the last name Behne is still very popular and is found in many parts of the world. Its distinct history and meaning are sure to be appreciated by those who carry the name.
Order DNA origin analysisBehne: Where does the name Behne come from?
The surname Behne is most common in Germany, where it is among the top 1,000 most common surnames. It is found throughout North America but is also common in parts of Australia, particularly among German immigrants and their descendants.
The surname is thought to be of German origin, likely derived from the personal name "Beheim". It first appears in written records in the 1200s with the spelling, Behêm. The evolution of the spelling of the surname could be attributed to the fact that German script was still in a primitive stage and not fully standardized until the 19th century.
Behne was originally found in the Rhineland, an area known for its fertile vineyards and its refugees from religious strife. Today, it is a principal family name in the region. It is most prevalent in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, one of the sixteen German states, where the surname ranks as the 277th most common surname. It is also relatively common in the nearby states of Hessen and Saarland, as well as in other areas of Germany, including the larger cities of Berlin and Cologne.
Behne is also a surname found in North America, particularly among German immigrants and their descendants. Immigrants with the name Behne are thought to have arrived in the region in the late 1800s and early 1900s, perhaps due to war or economic misfortune. Today, Behne is among the 30,000 most common surnames in the United States, and is most concentrated in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
The name Behne is not a common surname, but it is still found in scattered locations around the world, reflecting the journeys of its early bearers and their descendants.
Variations of the surname Behne
Behne is a German surname that may be spelled in different ways. It has a number of variants, including Bain, Bein, Baine, Beine, Bane, Behen, Buhne, Boehnen, Bühnen, Boehne, Bohne and Behn. In some cases, the surname is also seen spelled as Bahen or Bahenn.
Behne is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German term behne, meaning "farmer." The surname would have initially been used to denote a tenant farmer, a free farmer or one who owned a small amount of land. Over time, the surname spread from Germany to other parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands.
In the United States, the surname is mainly seen in Pennsylvania, with the number of people with the surname declining as time goes on. It is also found in the Midwest and in some cases in the west.
Spellings of the surname Behne can vary greatly depending on the country and region, as well as changes in dialects and accents. The spelling can range from Behn to Bain to Boehne and even sometimes Buhne or Bahen.
In addition to Behne, there are several other surnames with the same origin, including Behnen, Behning, Behnsen, Behnken, Behncke, Buhman, Buhmann, and Behen. In some cases, the surname may have evolved to mean someone that worked as a miner.
The surname Behne is primarily found in Germany today, though it can still be seen across other parts of Europe, as well as in the United States. It is an occupational surname that can be spelled in a variety of ways, and it has a number of variants and related surnames with the same origin.
Famous people with the name Behne
- Jake Behne: a renowned ice hockey player who won 3 Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Paige Behne: an award-winning choreographer and dancer who has performed with Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
- Gerhard Behne: a German WW II army general, highly decorated for his bravery.
- Carl Behne: a celebrated German composer who was a student of Max Reger.
- Sabrina Behne: an Australian actress who has starred in many TV shows and films, including Underbelly and Home and Away.
- Ray Behne: a pro golfer who won the PGA Tour's inaugural world championship in 1971.
- Jill Behne: an award-winning children's book author whose works include the popular Molly McNamara series.
- Christine Behne: a mental health advocate and social media influencer who has spoken at the United Nations.
- Keith Behne: a well-respected jazz saxophonist with several acclaimed albums.
- Rita Behne: a late German expressionist painter whose works are now seen in major museums and galleries.