Surname Carstens - Meaning and Origin

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S. Carstens

Carstens: What does the surname Carstens mean?

The last name Carstens is of German origin and is derived from the Old German name Kaufmann which translates to "merchant". This type of surname originates from a person whose occupation was that of a merchant. It is also possible that the name could be derived from the name of several places in Germany that were named with the elements kar and sten.

As a surname, Carstens usually refers to a family that traces its roots back to an ancestor who may have been involved in the sale of goods or the ownership of a market. This occupation was often quite profitable and the profession would often be handed down through generations of the family. Given the versatility of trade and merchants, this last name is found throughout Europe and the U.S.

This name is also associated with other attributes such as independence and ambition. Not only was the profession of a merchant profitable, but it also gave an individual a sense of freedom. It was the principle of the free market that allowed for the buying and selling of goods and services, thus enabling people to achieve financial success.

The Carstens name is also associated with strength and resilience, traits that can be seen in many families whose surname originates from Europe. Having survived many wars, plagues, and hardships, the Carstens were able to endure various challenges and pass down their name, as well as their strength and determination, to their descendants.

Carstens: Where does the name Carstens come from?

The last name Carstens is most commonly found in Germany and northern Europe. It is a surname that originated in the Netherlands, and spread to other parts of Europe due to emigration during the Middle Ages and the industrial revolution. Today, it is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden. It is also found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States of America.

In Germany, Carstens is a popular surname, ranking at 404 in 2020. Research conducted by the University of Munster found that the name is concentrated in the regions of Lower Saxony and Thuringia, as well as the city of Berlin. However, it is also widely dispersed throughout the country. Over 10,000 people have the surname Carstens in the Netherlands, where more than 30% live in the province of Drenthe.

In the United Kingdom, Carstens is a rare surname. The UK Office of National Statistics found that it was present in only 898 census records from the year 1881-1901. Similarly, fewer than 500 people in France and the USA had the surname at that time. However, research conducted by Ancestry.com suggests that this number could have increased since then. Carstens is estimated to be among the top 500 surnames in the United States, with an estimated 3,700 people bearing the name.

The popularity of the last name Carstens varies around the world, but it is certainly a common name throughout northern Europe.

Variations of the surname Carstens

Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Carstens include Karstens, Kerstens, Kraestens, Krschteins, Karsten, Kurstens, Karkstein, as well as Carestens, Kaestens, Karstenen, Karstin, Kartstens, and Kaersten.

The Carstens surname likely derived from a pre-seventh-century Old German personal name, 'Karstein,' which is composed of two elements- 'kar', meaning 'one who carts', and 'stein,' meaning 'stone'.

Variations of this surname are generally found in the Netherlands and northern Germany, as well as Scandinavian countries. During the late seventeenth century, variants of this surname were brought to America by German and Dutch immigrants.

Variations of the Carstens surname are commonly found in Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands. In Norway, variants of this surname are commonly spelled Karsten, Kersten, Kraesten, and Krschteins. In Sweden, the surname is sometimes spelled Karstens, Kurstens, and Karkstein. In the Netherlands, the surname may be spelled Carestens, Kaestens, Karstenen, Karstin, and Kartstens.

Most modern-day Carstens trace their origins back to German, Dutch, and Scandinavian immigrants who came to America during the late seventeenth century. Over time, the surname has become quite common in the United States, with various spellings still found throughout the country.

Famous people with the name Carstens

• Gustav Wilhelm Carstens: Gustav Wilhelm Carstens (1886–1960) was a German historian best known for his works on the history of glassmaking and the history of silverwork. He was the author of several books, including a history of glassmaking from the ancient world to the present day, published in 1926.
• Johannes Carstens: Johannes Carstens (1925: 2005) was a South African composer and music educator. He was an influential figure in the Afrikaans music scene and composed for the South African Broadcasting Corporation, the South African College of Music, and the University of Pretoria.
• Luise Carstens: Luise Carstens (1914–1996) was a German film actress known for her roles in 1920s and 1930s films, most notably Lang's “Destiny” (1921).
• Tom Carstens: Tom Carstens (born 1933) is a German-born American sculptor, best known for his large outdoor bronze sculptures of birds. He is a recipient of the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts fellowship award.
• Kerby Carstens: Kerby Carstens (born 1961) is an American former professional football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played for the Green Bay Packers and the San Diego Chargers.
• Pieter Carstens: Pieter Carstens (1915: 2001) was a Dutch politician and lawyer who served as the Minister of Social Affairs and Housing from 1963 to 1965. He was a member of the Dutch Labour Party (PvdA).
• Dhiren Carstens: Dhiren Carstens (born 1978) is a South African cricketer who competed in the 2007 Cricket World Cup. He is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler.
• Chuck Carstens: Chuck Carstens (born 1956) is an American composer and producer who is best known for his work in television and film scores. He is a two-time Emmy Award winner for his musical scores.

Other surnames

CarsteCarstedCarstedtCarstenCarstensenCarstesen