Surname Otteken - Meaning and Origin
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Otteken: What does the surname Otteken mean?
The last name Otteken is an extremely rare last name, primarily found in northern Europe. The origin of the family name has been debated among genealogists, and the consensus is that it is likely German in origin.
There are several theories about the possible meaning of the surname Otteken. Some people believe it to be derived from a German occupational name meaning 'hatter', referring to someone who made hats for a living. Others hold that it is from the Olde High German word hoteke, meaning 'cook'. A third hypothesis is that it is a toponymic surname, taken on from a place name originally referring to the 'land of Otte'.
By far the most popular theory about the meaning of the name Otteken, however, is that it is derived from the German personal name Otte, which was very common in Northern Germany around the 1100s and 1200s. This suggests that the Otteken surname may signify 'descendant of Otte'.
Whichever meaning is correct, the last name Otteken is undeniably a very unique one, and those who bear it can be proud to be part of an elite group of individuals descended from a distinguished family lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisOtteken: Where does the name Otteken come from?
The surname Otteken is generally associated with northwestern Germany, particularly with the region of Lower Saxony. It is a relatively uncommon name today but is most commonly found amongst the people of Oldenburg, Bremen, and Osnabrück. It is believed to have originated from the Middle Low German area of the east coast of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding region. In the 16th century, it was mainly found in the Greater Saterland area of Lower Saxony but can now be found throughout the country.
The closest ancestral home of Otteken is likely the town of Porta Westfalica in the Minden-Lübbecke district of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is thought to have been the home of the first members of the family which were recorded in the 16th century, although archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited by the family for much longer than that. This relatively small area remains the best place to look for records of the Otteken surname.
Outside Germany, the name Otteken is less commonly found. In the United States, it is mainly concentrated in its Midwest states, with smaller concentrations in the rest of the country. In Canada, it is mainly found in the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba. It is also found in small concentrations in Australia, Austria, and Sweden.
Variations of the surname Otteken
The surname Otteken is of German origin and has many variations and spellings from the original, including Oteken, Oetken, Oettken, Oettgen, Oetegen, Ottken, and Ottgen. It can also be found rendered as Ottekenn, Oettkenne, Oetkenne, Oetegenen, and Ottegener.
In the Low Countries, the spelling of the name can be found as Oetgens. In Dutch, the spelling may be Otgens, Ottgens, or Otgensen. In the United States, the name may be found spelled as Otticyan, Ottegens or Ottigian. The spelling may also be altered with the addition of an extra letter, such as Ottsgener, Ottsicyan or Otticyan.
The surname is also found among Scandinavian countries and may be seen in various forms such as Uldgens, Uldgenser, and Uldgencs. In French, it can be found as Ottegues and in Italy as Ottesan. It is possible the surname has been altered based on the region in which it is used as is often the case with many family names.
The Otteken surname is one that has many variations making it possible to effectively research the origin, each of which has been used in various countries throughout Europe and beyond. Establishing the origin of the name, and where it may have originated, will help in understanding the name and its many variations.
Famous people with the name Otteken
- August Otteken: German actor who has appeared in several films, including Die Fährte des Grauens and Die Lüge.
- Christina Otteken: German actress, known for her roles in films such as Hochzeit am Bodensee and Gegenschüsse.
- Malte Otteken: German actor and producer, best known for his role in the movie Schuldsache Rotefs.
- Philippe Otteken: French actor and voice actor, who has lent his voice to characters we know and love in animated films such as Ratatouille and The Little Prince.
- Stephen Otteken: American actor and voice actor best known for his roles in films such as Miracle Mile and House of 1000 Corpses.
- Torsten Otteken: German filmmaker, director and producer best known for directing films such as Taking Care of Jenny and Unterwegs nach United.
- Vivian Otteken: German actress who has appeared in the television films Die zweite Chance and Das Doppelleben.
- Wilfried Otteken: Belgian actor and voice actor, known for animated films such as Kung Fu Panda and The Triplets of Belleville.