Surname Körstgens - Meaning and Origin
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Körstgens: What does the surname Körstgens mean?
The last name Körstgens is a German and Dutch surname, most commonly found in Germany. Its literal meaning is “cutting edge” or “something sharp”—fittingly, given the etymological implications, the surname is typically linked to metalworking or stonemasonry professions.
The name is believed to have derived from the German phrase “Körst und gemeins”, which translates as “cut and join”—the exact origins, however, remain unclear to this day, and the earliest known recordings of the surname date as far back as the 16th century. Since then, Körstgens families have spread far and wide, mainly settling in former Prussian states such as present-day Poland, Lithuania, and Austria.
In modern times, Körstgens are still a widespread surname across many European countries, albeit mainly in the Germanic-speaking regions. For many individuals who carry the surname, it can be an immense source of pride, signifying not only a strong sense of family but also a long and proud tradition within the metalworking and stonemasonry professions.
Order DNA origin analysisKörstgens: Where does the name Körstgens come from?
The last name Körstgens is commonly found today in parts of Europe such as Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. The name is derived from the Middle Low German 'kürsten', meaning either 'brave' or 'leader'.
It is a popular surname in Germany, where it is listed in the top 1000 most common last names. According to one source, the name is especially common in the eastern half of Germany, especially in the Ostfriesland region. German genealogy records suggest that the name originated in Prussia in the early 1700s.
In the Netherlands, Körstgens is also listed among the top 1000 most common last names. Dutch records suggest the earliest known record of the name was from the 1700s.
Similarly, the Austrian surname records also list the name among the top 1000 most common names, and it is particularly prevalent in the state of Salzburg.
In the United States, Körstgens is most commonly found in states with historical German influence, such as Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Variations of the surname Körstgens
The surname Körstgens is a German surname and is derived from the Middle High German word korzare or korzer, which means a poleaxe or pickaxe. The variants of this surname include Körzgen, Körschgens, Körsching and Korsching. In the United States, some of the weary spellings of this name are Kerstgens, Kurstgens and Koestgens.
The name Körstgens is also found in the Netherlands under the spelling Körsgens and Körstgens, while in France it is Körsgens or Körstgens. In Denmark and Sweden, it is found in the forms Kørsgens and Körstgens. In Britain, it is found as Koestgens and in Poland, its form is Korsgens. In Germany, the name is spelt Körsgens, Köschgens and Körsching.
Apart from the surname Körstgens, other surnames of the same origin include Körsching, Korsching, Körsgens, Korberg and Körsgen.
Although the surname Körstgens is found throughout Europe, it is mainly concentrated in Germany, where nearly 81 percent of the population bearing this name resides. It is also found in France, Netherlands, United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden and Poland.
Famous people with the name Körstgens
- Emily Körstgens: Swiss model and influencer.
- Florian Körstgens: German professional soccer player
- Theresa Körstgens: German Olympic high jumper and sprinter.
- Manfred Körstgens: German Class 1 railway engineer and politician.
- Jan Körstgens: Dutch football manager and former player.
- Jörgen Körstgens: Dutch Protestant Reformed theologian.
- Peter Körstgens: Dutch Olympic speed skater.
- Ruth Körstgens: German professional cyclist.
- Hille Körstgens: German high-ranking civil servant in the Federal Foreign Office.
- Sjoerd Körstgens: Dutch illustrator and painter.