Surname Bernsen - Meaning and Origin
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Bernsen: What does the surname Bernsen mean?
The last name Bernsen is an occupational surname derived from the Middle Low German ‘barne’ meaning a "child” or "servant". It was a name given to someone who worked as a foster parent or a nanny. Later it was adopted as a surname by people who filled similar roles of caregiving. The name has also been spelled as Berneson, Barnson, Burnson, etc. depending on the language and location.
The last name Bernsen has its roots in many different countries, with variants of the name found all over Europe. In Spanish speaking countries, it has been primarily spelled as Bernsen or Bernes, while in French and Italian speakers countries it has been spelled Bernesse. In German and Dutch countries, it is usually spelled as Bernsen.
Throughout history, the Bernsen family name has been particularly associated with religious and military roles. Some notable people who have carried the name Bernsen include the German music director and composer Carl Bernsen and the Venezuelan activist Ignacio Bernsen.
Today, those bearing the name Bernsen are spread around the world, mostly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries with significant German and Dutch populations. The Bernsen family has a history of service and loyalty, and members of the family are found in a range of occupations all over the world.
Order DNA origin analysisBernsen: Where does the name Bernsen come from?
The surname Bernsen is most prominently found in Germany, the United States, Canada, Norway, Spain, and the Netherlands.
In the United States, Bernsen is primarily concentrated in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and New York, although smaller numbers are found across the Midwest and in the Southern, Pacific Northwest, and the Southwestern regions of the country.
In Germany, the Bernsen surname has been firmly established since the 16th and 17th centuries in a broad arc from Bremen in the north to Bavaria in the south. By the 19th century it had spread west to Lorraine (the German-speaking region of France), north to the Netherlands, and east to the Baltic states, although today its main concentration is still found in the historic region of Rhineland.
In Canada, Bernsen is found primarily in Quebec, as well as in Ontario and Alberta.
In Norway, the name is most strongly associated with Agder County in the south. As Norwegian emigration to other countries increased in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the name spread to the United States, Canada, and other countries where Norwegian immigrants settled.
Norwegian and German settlers also brought the Bernsen name to Spain, where it can be found today in particular in Andalusia and Catalonia.
Finally, the Netherlands and Dutch-speaking areas of Belgium are also home to the Bernsen name, primarily located in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Variations of the surname Bernsen
The variants, spelling and surnames of the same origin for the surname Bernsen are Berntson, Bernson, Bernstone, Bernsteen, Bernsin, Bernsein, Burnson, Berntzen, Burnzen, and Bernshon.
The name Bernsen is a derivative of the Germanic name Bernhard, with the suffix "sen" denoting undeniably a patronym, which means a suffix added to a name that indicates that a person is son of somebody. Hence, Bernsen means "son of Bernhard".
Spelling variations for the name Bernsen include Berntson, Bernson, Bernstone, Bernsteen, Bernsin, Bernsein, Burnson, Berntzen, Burnzen, and Bernshon. Each name has a different spelling, which is typical of the English language.
When searching the ancestry and family tree of Bernsen, several interesting connections or ethnic backgrounds may be found. Bernsen incorporates part of the ancient Germanic name Bernhard, which in turn transcends many different language, such as Dutch, German, Finnish, and Swedish.
In modern times, the surname "Bernsen" may also be found among other cultures from the countries Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, in addition to areas of the U.S. and Canada, which were heavily settled by German and Scandinavian immigrants in the 19th century.
The surname Bernsen is an extremely common name across the world today, making its genealogical research one of the most widespread surname studies possible. Thanks to its ancient roots and its parts involving the German language, many interesting facts regarding this surname's history can be found throughout different historical documents.
Famous people with the name Bernsen
- Corbin Bernsen: He is a Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, and producer, best known for his roles as lawyer Arnold Becker on the NBC drama series L.A. Law, and as Michael Kuzak in the sequel of the television series Beverly Hills 90210.
- Larry Brensen: He is a former professional baseball player who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1973-1975, as a relief pitcher.
- Kipp Bernsen: He is the youngest brother of Corbin Bernsen and was also an actor, known playing in roles on such TV sitcoms as Coach and Passion Cove.
- Kelly Bernsen: He is an American record producer and engineer from Nashville, Tennessee, working with Country, Pop, Gospel, Rock and independent music artists.
- Maraleigh Bernsen: She is an actress, known for Posing: Inspired by Three Real Stories (1991) and Children of Divorce (1980).
- Durrell Bernsen: He is an American actor, best known for providing the voice for Acron in the video game Resident Evil: Revelations.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Bernsen: She is the mother of Corbin Bernsen and an actress, known for Ring of Fire II: Blood and Steel (1993).
- Jules Bernsen: He is the father of Corbin Bernsen and an actor, known for Leaving Normal (1992).