Surname Forsten - Meaning and Origin
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Forsten: What does the surname Forsten mean?
The last name Forsten comes from a German surname. It is derived from a German personal name, “Furst,” meaning “prince” or “ruler.” It was common for those with a position of influence or power to use this name in the Middle Ages.
Some variations of the German Forsten include Firsten, Forston, and Forstenauer. The name is also found in Finland, where it is spelled “Piirsten.”
The earliest records of the name date back to 1552, when a Johan von Forstel was registered in the archives from Holstein, Germany.
Forsten is an occupational name for one who was employed in a princely court. Those who bore this last name might have been involved in a function of government, such as a judicial post, a secretary, or a diplomatic envoy.
In modern times, Forsten is found primarily in Germany, Switzerland, and Finland. It is most common in Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt.
Forsten is a distinct last name that has been found for over 500 years. It is a good reminder of how important positions of power can be in shaping the lives of individuals and their families for generations.
Order DNA origin analysisForsten: Where does the name Forsten come from?
The Forsten surname is mostly associated with countries located in Scandinavia, particularly; Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. It's also found in some parts of Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In recent years, the Forsten surname has become quite common in the United States.
According to the 2019 US Census, over 4,400 individuals with the last name of Forsten live in the United States. Out of those, the highest concentrations are primarily found in Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
In Norway, there are approximately 1,105 individuals that bear the name Forsten and are most commonly found in the counties of Oppland, Hedmark, Møre og Romsdal, and Sør-Trøndelag.
In Finland, the Forsten name is mostly concentrated in the Aland Islands, although some individuals with the name do exist throughout the country.
Lastly, the states of Denmark, Sweden, and Finland all have significant numbers of individuals bearing the Forsten surname.
In general, the Forsten surname is not a rare one, for it is common across several countries and regions. However, the majority of individuals bearing the surname live in either the United States or Scandinavian countries.
Variations of the surname Forsten
The surname Forsten is most likely derived from the German word “Fürst” which means “prince”. Variations of this name include Forstener, Forstener, Forestin, Forestine, Fosten, Fostane, Fosten, Foster, Fursten, Furstin, and Furstine.
In its English form, Foster or Forster, the name comes from the Middle English word “foster” which means “embrace”. Variations of this name include Forsterson, Forsterason, Forsterman, Foerster, Forriston, Foerstman, Forrister, and Forester.
The surname Forsten may also be derived from the Old French word “forest” which means “woodsman” or “woodland”. This would account for variants such as Forest, Forrest, Forester, Forster, Forestell, Forestal, Foreste, Forristell, Foreass, and Forrestal.
In its Dutch form, Fusten, the name may be derived from the Dutch word “fust” which means “cask”. Variations of this name include Fusten, Fuster, Fustera, Fustan, Fustane, and Fustane.
In addition, Forsten may be derived from the Greek word “Foustane” which means “born from a stone”. Variations of this name include Foostin, Foostane, and Foosten.
The surname Forsten can also be derived from the Scandinavian word “fors” which means “waterside”. This accounts for variations such as Fosen, Foset, Fosetta, Fosten, Fostena, Fostene, Foustin, and Foustine.
Overall, there are numerous variants, spellings, and surnames that are related to the name Forsten. Each of these variations is derived from a specific language and can reveal more about a person’s heritage and background.
Famous people with the name Forsten
- Anitra Forsten, Finnish TV/RadioHost
- Marsha Forsten, painter and textile artist
- Kurt Forsten, retired Nordic combined skier
- Kari Forsten, singer with the band “Ain't A Soul”
- Simo Forsten, designer and entrepreneur
- Maja Forsten, proprietor in the culture industry
- Ed Forsten, comedian, actor and musician
- Levi Forsten, former NFL linebacker
- Voitto Forsten, former band leader and pianist
- Lieselotte Forsten, painting artist and interior designer