Surname Lehn - Meaning and Origin
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Lehn: What does the surname Lehn mean?
The last name Lehn is of German origin, derived from the traditional Middle High German naming element "Lehen" meaning "fief". This refers to a person who once held some kind of small estate given away by a feudal overrlord.
The Lehn surname is found in German-speaking areas throughout Europe, including Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
The first recorded use of the Lehn surname dates back to the 1200s. There are various spellings of the name, such as Lehn, Lahn, Lehne and Lain.
Since its establishment, the Lehn family members have been associated with industry, trade and manufacture, particularly in the textile industry. In countries such as Germany, many members of the Lehn family have become successful business people, entrepreneurs and professionals, contributing to the country's economic success.
The Lehn surname also has spiritual connections, as members of the family have often been associated with religious orders, monasteries and monastic houses.
In the modern day, the Lehn name continues to hold meaning, symbolizing a commitment to industrial enterprise and spiritual values. It is a reminder of the family’s past and of the importance of striving for success, both in the professional and spiritual realms.
Order DNA origin analysisLehn: Where does the name Lehn come from?
The last name Lehn is common in the German-speaking countries of Europe, including Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg, as well as in Switzerland. The surname is a variant spelling of the surname Lehn, which is derived from the German word for "lion".
In Germany, the surname Lehn is concentrated around the Rhineland states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is the second most common surname in the city of Boppart in Rhineland-Palatinate, where more than one percent of the population holds the name. In nearby Bad Kreuznach, it is the 5th most common name.
The Lehn surname is also common in Austria, particularly in the states of Vienna and Lower Austria. It is also a popular name in Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Schwyz, Lucerne, and Zurich.
Though the name is most common in the German-speaking countries of Europe, the Lehn surname is found throughout the world, including the United States and Canada. People with the Lehn surname have also emigrated to other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Variations of the surname Lehn
The surname Lehn is of German origin and can be spelled in a few different ways, including Lehne, Lehnen, Lean, Leane, Leaner, and Lehnes. Less common forms of the name include Lehning, Lehnie and Lehninger.
Lehn is believed to derive from the Middle High German name "lêne," which means 'gracious.' It was most commonly used as a reference to a gracious person or as an expression of gratitude towards someone. Additionally, the name can be traced to locations in Germany, as it is believed to have been taken on or adopted by those living near a body of water or a stream referred to as "Lehne".
The Lehn surname is found throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, as well as in the United States and Canada.
Variants of the name Lehn include:
Lehmann (or Lehmannn), Lehmbach, Lehmore, Lehmannn, Lehmkuhl, Lehmannns, Lehnens, Lehmen, Lehmannns, Lehmanns, Lehmannna, and Lehmannn.
The most common variant in the United States and Canada is the simplified spelling, Lean. The variant spells Leaner and Leean are found in Germany, and the variant Lehnes is found in Switzerland.
Those bearing the Lehn surname can be found all around the world today, and its variants have spread across different countries, as the name has been adopted by non-Germans. For example, the surname Lean can be found amongst people of Scottish or Welsh descent.
Famous people with the name Lehn
- Jan-Ove Lehn: Jan-Ove Lehn is a Swedish former professional ice hockey player and current ice hockey coach. He played in the Swedish Elite League for Modo Hockey in Örnsköldsvik and he was the first Swedish hockey player to become a Stanley Cup champion in the NHL in 1996.
- Richard Lehn: Richard Lehn is a German-born American billionaire and the co-founder of Iconix Brand Group, a New York-based fashion and entertainment licensing company.
- Bobby Lehn: Bobby Lehn is a former American professional jockey who won the Belmont Stakes in 1996.
- Friedrich Lehn: Friedrich Lehn is a German judge, professor of law and politician. He is one of the most prominent Constitutional Court judges in Germany.
- Oliver Lehn: Oliver Lehn is a German football coach who is currently the manager of SC Freiburg. He has managed several other teams in Germany including 1. FC Kaiserslautern, FSV Mainz 05 and FC Ingolstadt.
- David Lehn: David Lehn is a Canadian actor best known for his roles in the films The Possession of Joel Delaney and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
- Bruce Lehn: Bruce Lehn is an American artist whose pieces have been featured in over 200 exhibitions around the world. He is known for his abstract paintings, installations and sculptures made from found objects.
- Christopher Lehn: Christopher Lehn is a German former alpine ski racer who competed in the World Cup from 1990 to 2001 and won six World Cup races.
- Jerome Lehn: Jerome Lehn is a French judoka, best known for winning the 1991 World Championships. He also competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
- Cassie Lehn: Cassie Lehn is an Australian fencer who competed in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.