Surname Hörnchen - Meaning and Origin
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Hörnchen: What does the surname Hörnchen mean?
Hörnchen is a German word that translates literally to “little horns” or “little croissants” in English. It is an occupational surname derived from the German term Höries or Hornmakers, which refers to professional hornet or horn makers. In the jargon of Prohibition-era United States gangsters, it was also a slang term for a tommy gun.
Originally, the occupation of Hornmaking was prominent in Germany during the Middle Ages. Horn was used to craft handles for tools, decorative pieces, combs, and other household items. Most people with the surname Hörnchen were from Germany and the surname is derived from their profession.
In modern times, the surname Hörnchen is still quite common in German-speaking countries. It is particularly popular in the Rhineland, an area in western Germany and the Netherlands.
The surname is thought to have spread through immigration to countries such as the United States, France, South Africa, and Brazil. In the US, the name was altered to Hirsch, and in France to L’Hermite.
Today, the surname Hörnchen is often adopted as a first name. It is seen as a strong and distinct name, which is often associated with positive attributes such as strength and determination.
Therefore, many parents have chosen the name Hörnchen as a first name for their children.
Order DNA origin analysisHörnchen: Where does the name Hörnchen come from?
The last name Hörnchen is most commonly associated with the region of northeastern Germany, mainly the east of the Elbe River. In both Saxony and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, this family name is especially widespread. It is also found in Lower Saxony, especially in the eastern part, as well as in the southern part of Schleswig-Holstein.
The earliest finding of the surname appears to be in 1250 in the records of the St. Pankraz monastery in Merseburg, Saxony-Anhalt. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the Hörnchen family name continued to appear in records, mainly from the southeastern Germany region.
In the days of the German Empire (1871-1918), Hörnchen family members were especially well-known in Saxony. During this time, the last name began to spread throughout other parts of Germany, including Thuringia, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein.
Today, the Hörnchen last name can be found all over Germany, with concentrations in the eastern part. It is also present in Germany's former colonies such as the United States, Brazil, and South Africa. In addition, the German diaspora has spread the name to other countries, particularly in Central and South America.
The Hörnchen family name signifies fun and joy. It is derived from the German word “hörnchen” which means “little horn”. This nickname likely refers to someone with a cheerful and enthusiastic disposition, which could also explain the prevalence and longtime success of the Hörnchen family.
Variations of the surname Hörnchen
The surname Hörnchen is a German surname that literally translates to “little horn”. As German surnames can vary depending on region, dialect, and spelling, there are many variants of the same surname.
In northern Germany, variants of Hörnchen include Hornickel, Hornich, Hornig, Hornigk, Hornzyk, Hofnickel, Hofnickel, Horneck, Hornegg, and Hornecken. It is often spelled “Hörnickel” in parts of Germany as well.
In southern Germany, variants of Hörnchen include Hornig, Hornung, Hornikel, Hornieng, Hörnicke, Hörnle, and Hörnlein. It is also commonly spelled “Hörnicke” in parts of southern Germany.
In Austria and Switzerland, variants of Hörnchen include Hörnickel, Hornig, Hornung, Horniger, Hornigg, Höranickel, Hornegg, and Hornichl.
In America, the surname is typically spelled “Hornickel” due to immigration and other influences, though variants such as Hörnchen, Hornig, and Hofnickel can also be found.
In Scandinavia, variants of Hörnchen include Hornich, Hornig, Hörnicke, Hornun, Hornung, Hornuku, Hornichle, Hornikel, and Horning.
Overall, the variants, spellings, and surnames of Hörnchen can vary greatly depending on the region in which it is used. Despite these variations, the surname all basically translates to “little horn” and share the same origin.
Famous people with the name Hörnchen
- Mathias Hörnchen: German football defender
- Gabriel Hörnchen: German footballer
- Franz Hörnchen: former Austrian footballer
- Sybille Hörnchen: German actress
- Gisela Hörnchen: German filmmaker
- Helmut Hörnchen: retired German footballer
- Alfred Hörnchen: former German hurdler
- Barbara Hörnchen: former German bookseller and restaurateur
- Johannes Hörnchen: German painter
- Sylvia Hörnchen: German chef and restaurateur