Surname Hänzchen - Meaning and Origin
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Hänzchen: What does the surname Hänzchen mean?
Hänzchen is a German surname derived from the diminutive form of the given name Johannes, which was a very popular name in Germany during the Middle Ages. It translates literally to "little John." The surname was originally derived from the Low German vernacular, and has been found in records dating back as far as the 17th century.
Hänzchen was originally an occupational surname, referring to someone who was part of a larger group of people. For example, it could have referred to a farmer’s assistant or a village boys’ leader. This meaning came about because in German, “Hänze” was the term used to describe a group of people who worked together in a certain area.
In modern times, the surname Hänzchen is still commonly found in German speaking areas. However, the occupational meaning is no longer associated with the name. Instead, it is used much like an ordinary surname, with no particular meaning attached to it.
Throughout the centuries, the surname has been spelled various ways, but the original spelling was "Hänzchen". This spelling is still typically used, although in some cases it can also be spelled "Hänze," "Hennes," or "Hänninger."
The surname Hänzchen is a testament to the influence of Middle Age German culture, and provides an interesting glimpse into the lives of the people who held the name. It is still commonly used in Germany and beyond, and serves as a reminder of the rich culture and history that continues to shape various parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisHänzchen: Where does the name Hänzchen come from?
The last name Hänzchen is currently most commonly found in Germany, where it can be traced back to the early 1600s. It's also found in other parts of Europe, such as Austria, Belgium, France, Slovakia, Poland, and Russia.
In Germany, Hänzchen is most common throughout the western German states of Baden–Württemberg, Rhineland Palatinate, and Bavaria.
The etymology of the last name Hänzchen is from the diminutive of the German name 'Hans', deriving from the Old High German "Hans(o)". This is often used as a pet name for young boys, which eventually became the surname used by the family.
The first reference to the surname Hänzchen can be found in the 1621 birth record of a young girl in Mosbach, Baden-Württemberg, named Catharina Hänzchen.
Today, the Hänzchen surname remains relatively rare. However, since the formation of the European Union in the late 1980’s, the mobility of EU citizens has caused a small dispersal of the Hänzchen surname to other parts of Europe.
Due to the mobility of EU citizens, Hänzchen can be found in a few other EU countries such as the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. It is also found in the United States, where it is predominantly concentrated in states with comparatively high numbers of German-Americans.
Additionally, Hänzchen is most commonly found in large cities, such as Berlin in Germany and London in the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Hänzchen
The surname Hänzchen originates from Germany and there are a few variants, spellings and related surnames associated with it.
One variant spelling of Hänzchen is Hänschen. This variant is also spelled Hänsch and Hansch. Other variants include Hänze, Hanschen, Heinschen and Heintze.
Habersaat is a related surname that is also linked to the original surname, Hänzchen. This spelling is more common in northern Germany. Another related surname is Henzschen (Henschen).
Many families with the surname Hänzchen have Anglicized the spelling, such as Haunz, Honz and Hunz.
The family name Hänzchen is rarely found outside of Germany, but it can still be found in the German immigrant communities of North and South America as well as in Australia.
In conclusion, there are a few variants, spellings and related surnames associated with the German surname Hänzchen. These include Hänschen, Habersaat, Henzschen, Haunz, Honz and Hunz. These variations can be found in German immigrant communities around the globe, allowing families to keep their German heritage alive.
Famous people with the name Hänzchen
- Heinz Hänzchen (1902-1980): German diplomat and politician. He served as Mayor of Nuremberg from 1963 to 1967.
- Erich Hänzchen (1909-1997): German Olympic athlete. He competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics as a discus thrower.
- Erich Hänzchen (1910-1996): German actor and voice actor. He had a career spanning several decades in German theatre, television and film.
- Klaus Hänzchen (1929-2008): German painter and graphic artist. He created hundreds of works of art during his long career.
- Lothar Hänzchen (1943-2016): German entrepreneur and business person. Founder and CEO of the Dresdner Münzgesellschaft GmbH, a subsidiary of the US-based company Franklin Mint.
- Karl-Heinz Hänzchen (1944-): German theologian and professor of religion. He is a professor at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and is known for his works on the history of Christian faith.
- Inge Hänzchen (1945-): German fashion designer. She has been a leading figure in the German fashion industry since the 1970s.
- Helga Hänzchen (1948-): German author and professional coach. She is best known for her works on parenting and early childhood development.
- Claus Hänzchen (1953-): German actor, director and screenwriter. He has been nominated for several awards and is well known for his work on television series such as "Rote Rosen" and "Verbotene Liebe".
- Reinhard Hänzchen (1961-): German musician. He is the founder and lead singer of the rock band "Die Firma".