Surname Bentsen - Meaning and Origin

Bentsen: What does the surname Bentsen mean?

Bentsen is a surname of Scandinavian origin, more specifically from Denmark and Norway. The name is patronymic, derived from a personal name, implying "son of Bent." The name Bent itself is a diminutive of Benedict or Benedikt, which means blessed. Therefore, indirectly, Bentsen could be interpreted as 'son of the blessed one.' This kind of surname was common, where a distinguishing name was created based on the name of a person's father. Some variations of this surname are Bentzen, Bentsson, Bentson. As with many surnames, particular spellings often relate to families from different regions or countries. As surnames became necessary for official records and taxation purposes, many families adopted stable last names passed on from one generation to the next.

Bentsen: Where does the name Bentsen come from?

The last name Bentsen is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Denmark. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the name of a male ancestor. In this case, the name Bentsen refers to "son of Bent," with Bent being a popular personal name in Denmark. The name Bent itself is a variant of the Old Norse name Benedikt, meaning "blessed." Today, the surname Bentsen is most common in Denmark, but it is also found in other countries such as Norway and the United States. In the US, Bentsen might be most recognized because of former Senator and Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen of Texas. However, due to patterns of Scandinavian immigration, it's also found in Upper Midwest states like Minnesota and North Dakota.

Variations of the surname Bentsen

The surname Bentsen, originating from Scandinavia, particularly Denmark and Norway, is usually patronymic, meaning it originated from a personal name, in this case, "Bent," a diminutive form of Benedict. Thus, "Bentsen" literally means "son of Bent." Variations of this name can be influenced by regional languages, dialects, or even Anglicization.

Variants and similar spellings include: Bentzen, Bentzon, Bentson, Bendtsen, Bendtson, Bendixen, and Bentsin. The variant, Bentsson, could be used in Sweden, employing the double 's' typical for Swedish surnames. The spelling Bentson might be found in English-speaking countries where the suffix -sen is often transformed to -son to meet English norms.

In some cases, we may also find related surnames formed directly from the name Bent, like Benthin or Bentley. Another variation, although less directly related, could be Benson, a name prevalent in English-speaking countries but with similar formation patterns.

It should be noted that Scandinavian names can often be spelled with either 'sen' or 'son,' depending on regional preferences and traditions. Therefore, flexibility in spelling may exist within the same surname.

Famous people with the name Bentsen

• Lloyd Bentsen: He was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S senator from Texas and later as U.S Secretary of the Treasury. He was also the Democratic nominee for Vice President in 1988.
• Ken Bentsen Jr.: He is an American politician and nephew of Lloyd Bentsen. He served as a U.S representative from Texas from 1995 to 2003. After his tenure in Congress, he has assumed positions in financial industry associations.
• Lan Bentsen: The son of Lloyd Bentsen, he ran for the U.S. Senate in 1994 as a Democratic candidate but was not elected. He has also been involved in investment banking.
• Bente Bentsen: A Norwegian cross-country skier who competed in the 1976 and 1980 Winter Olympics.
• Lloyd Bentsen III: He is known as a philanthropist and businessman. He is also the grandson of Lloyd Bentsen, the former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have gained fame with the last name Bentsen.

Other surnames

Bentschneider