Surname Bender - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling the Bender Legacy: A tale of rich heritage and connection through the iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test has unearthed vast and rich familial roots of my surname Bender, challenging and transforming my perception of our family's identity. The test’s revelations about our Celtic origins and unexpected Mongolian ancestry have ultimately deepened my connection to the world and heightened appreciation for the legacy that I carry forward as a Bender.

L. Bender

Bender: What does the surname Bender mean?

Bender is a surname of German origin, derived from the old German word 'Benderer' which later evolved into 'Bender'. The term 'Benderer' refers to a person who lives in the bend of a river or around the curve of a road or path. Hence, the surname originally was used to describe the geographical location of a person's dwelling. It's also possible that Bender could have occupational origins in some contexts, referring to individuals who worked as benders, shaping various materials such as metal or wood. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can vary based on regional use and family history. It's important to note that the surname Bender spread across different countries and was further modified according to different languages and dialects. Therefore, Bender can also be found in various forms in languages other than German, like English and Dutch. In the UK, it is found mostly in Lancashire. The meanings of Bender as a last name, however, are broadly universal and primarily find their roots in geographical and occupational circumstances.

Bender: Where does the name Bender come from?

The surname Bender is of German origin and is commonly found in Germany today. It originated from an occupation, typically indicating someone who worked as a "bender" or "mender," specifically a craftsmen who created or repaired wooden vessels, casks, or barrels, or alternatively, someone who worked with metal. Baxter, the English counterpart surname, also shares a similar meaning. It's a metonymic occupational name derived from the German "binder" (cooper), Middle High German "bender," or "binder," akin to the Old High German "bintan," which means "to bend."

The most significant popularity or density of the Bender surname can be found in Germany, followed by the United States, Canada, and France. It is rather popular in Southern Germany, particularly in regions like Saarland, Rheinland-Pfalz, Bayern, and Baden-Württemberg.

Variations of the surname Bender

The surname Bender is of German origin. It can have a couple of meanings. For instance, it could derive from an occupational name for a cooper or barrel maker, a person who "bends" wood to make barrels. On the other hand, it could also come from a place name, Bendern, in Liechtenstein.

Variant spellings of the surname include Bendery, Bendier, Bendre, and Bendrien. Some surnames of the same origin could be Fassbender (a cooper, same as the occupational origin of Bender), Kruger (a jug maker, another occupation that involves bending wood), or Doleschall (from a place in Germany, as with Bendern).

While Bender is mainly German, similar names can be found in other languages. In Yiddish, the name Bänder might appear. In English, the equivalent occupation would give the surname Cooper.

Lastly, the name Bender can also be an Anglicized form of other foreign names – for instance, the Russian Bendin or Bendik, the Dutch Benderman, or the Jewish Bendavid (son of David). It's always important to consider the specific lineage and heritage of the person in question.

Famous people with the name Bender

• John Bender: Former American footballer who played for National Football League (NFL)
• Johann Gottfried Bender: Previously an infantry officer in the United States army and mayor of Pittsburgh
• Mathias Rust: A German national who flew a single-engine aircraft to Moscow's Red Square during the Cold War, also known as Matthias "Bender" Rust
• Trey Bender: American television and radio sports broadcaster
• Scott Bender: An American film and television director and actor
• Dan Bender: An Emmy winning photojournalist
• Joe Bender: Former American football player for NFL
• Sue Bender: An author, ceramic artist, and inspirational speaker
• Irlene Mandrell Bender: Member of the Mandrell Sisters and had her own TV show
• Lawrence Bender: Famous American film producer, known for his work on films such as "Pulp Fiction" and "Inglorious Basterds"
• Darren Bender: Canadian producer and writer, known for "The Outer Limits" and "So Weird".
• Gretchen Bender: American visual and media artist.
• Robert Bender: VP & Publisher at Simon and Schuster
• Joey Bender: Canadian former professional ice hockey player especially known for playing within the National Hockey League (NHL).
• Ludwig Bender: Notable German theologian.

Other surnames

BendekBendelBendersBendert