Surname Penzlin - Meaning and Origin

Penzlin: What does the surname Penzlin mean?

The surname Penzlin is derived from a German place name, and the literal translation is 'at the pen lake'. The name likely originated as a habitational name, given to people who lived near a lake, specifically those in the region of Brandenburg, located in the North East of Germany.

The origins of the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, around the 13th century. It was around this time period that surnames began to come into use as a way to distinguish families, and the Penzlin surname is thought to have emerged in this way.

The Penzlin family name has spread over the centuries, and is now primarily found within Europe, but is also occasionally found in other countries, such as the United States and Australia. Despite this, the Penzlin families are closely connected throughout the world and often reunite for family gatherings.

In terms of its current standing, the Penzlin surname is considered quite rare, with only a few hundred people in the world bearing the name. While this may be a sign of its obscurity, it is also a testament to the long and rich history of the family and remains a source of pride for many members of the Penzlin clan.

Penzlin: Where does the name Penzlin come from?

The last name Penzlin is most commonly found in Northern Europe, particularly in, and around Germany. Historically, the name originates in Central Germany, where it was first found in the early 13th century. The earliest notable record of the name is of one of the oldest known German settlements ‘Penzlin’ near Berlin in 1219.

Today, the name Penzlin is most prevalent in Germany and the surrounding countries of the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and France. The area with the highest concentration of the name in Germany is in the region of Brandenburg, where it is estimated that around 1 in every 1250 people has this last name. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the name is also relatively common, with an estimation of 1 in every 3000 people having the last name.

In all other countries, the name is much less common with the most frequent occurrences being in the United States. The initial immigrants then were Johann E. Penzlin, who arrived from his home of Prussia in Germany in 1750. Since then, the name Penzlin has been found in 17 states, ranging from Pennsylvania to Florida. Overall, however, the name is still relatively uncommon in the US. This pattern is recognizable in other countries too, where, despite its initial prevalence, the name has become much less common today.

Variations of the surname Penzlin

The surname Penzlin has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include:

Penslin: A variation of the Penzlin surname, possibly derived from the German term “pens”, which is a type of stall or store.

Penzlein: Another variation of Penzlin, this spelling has its roots in the German term “penzing”, meaning small hamlet.

Penzler: A variation of Penzlin, this variation is derived from the German term “pen” meaning pond or pool, and “ler” meaning occupant or inhabitant.

Penslar: A variation of Penzlin, this spelling derives from the German term “pens” meaning stall or store.

Penso: A variation of Penzlin, this variation is likely derived from the town of Penso, located in the Italian province of Mantova.

Penz Hoger: Another variation of Penzlin, this spelling is derived from the German terms “penz” meaning pond or pool, and “höger” meaning either a hill or a raised planation.

Pensmart: The final variant of the Penzlin surname, this spelling likely derives from the German term “pens”, meaning a stall or store.

Regardless of the spelling or variation, the Penzlin surname is ultimately derived from a Germanic origin. The name initially referred to a settlement near a pool or a small hamlet, but has since expanded to encompass a number of different derivations.

Famous people with the name Penzlin

• Eva-Maria Penzlin: Eva-Maria Penzlin is a German film and stage actress who has appeared in many movies and television series. She started her career as a stage actress, starring in classical plays such as Richard III and Iphigenia in Tauris.
• Jens Penzlin: Jens Penzlin is a German journalist, editor and author. He is best known for his work as chief editor of the news magazine Stern, from 2015 to 2016. Penzlin also regularly contributes to other newspapers and magazines as a columnist.
• Dirk Penzlin: Dirk Penzlin is a retired German football player. He was a goalkeeper and began his professional career with Dynamo Berlin in 2002. He played with them until 2006 and then moved to German side Werder Bremen, where he was part of the team for the next three years.
• Jörg Penzlin: Jörg Penzlin is a German professor of film and media studies at The Südwestrundfunk University in Baden-Württemberg. He is a prolific author, having published numerous books and articles. He has also written and produced several television films.
• Tom Denys Penzlin: Tom Denys Penzlin is a Swedish theatre and film actor. He started his career in 2002 with the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm and has since appeared in many films. He has been nominated for several awards, including a Guldbagge Award for his work in the movie Radioflyer.

Other surnames

Penzl