Surname von Behren - Meaning and Origin

von Behren: What does the surname von Behren mean?

The surname von Behren is a German surname that originated in the region of Hesse. It is believed to have first appeared around the 13th century and is derived from the word ‘behren’ which is an Old High German word that refers to an area of pastureland. This suggests that it was originally a local name given to someone who lived in an area of meadow land.

The surname von Behren is an aristocratic surname and was historically used to designate people of noble or aristocratic origin. It is thought to have been taken on by families who at one point owned or administered large estates and land holdings. The von Behren name is believed to have been a hereditary title that was passed down through generations of the same family, and it was common for the surname to be used by a number of branches of the same family who all held the same name.

Since the 1800s, the von Behren surname has become more widespread as people of various backgrounds have adopted it as their own and started to use it as their family name. Today, it is a common surname in Germany, as well as in other parts of the world, where members of the German diaspora have settled.

von Behren: Where does the name von Behren come from?

The last name von Behren is most commonly found in Germany, and certain parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands today. This last name originated in Westphalia, Germany and is often considered to be a Westphalian name. It is a noble name belonging to the knighted "von Behren" family of Westphalia.

The von Behren name was originally written "von Berren", which was derived from Middle High German "bern" meaning "bear". This reflects the family's occupation as bear trainers and animal caretakers. Later, the name developed to include the "von" before it. This indicates the family's rise to nobility, with some members eventually becoming knights.

The von Behren family was a very prominent family in the region for many years. During the mid-1800s, certain members of the family had military positions. They held prominent roles in the Kingdom of Westphalia, which was part of the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire.

The von Behren family name is still represented today in Germany, parts of Austria, and other Central European countries. It is also seen in an international context, with the family name appearing in Australia, the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, and other international regions around the world.

Variations of the surname von Behren

The variants, spellings and surnames of Behren or von Behren can include Behren, Behr, Behrens, Berens, Berensen, Berenson, Berenz, Berenzen, Berrens, von Behren, Van Behren, and Vom Behren.

Behren (or von Behren) is a surname of German origin. It is a derivative of the German word bergen, and thus, is related to the English word “Beacon”. It was typically adopted by those living in or near a beacon or a beacon-like setting - for example, near a navigational lighthouse. This could explain why the spelling of the surname is found in multiple forms.

In Germany, the spelling of von Behren and the many variants of Behren are commonly found. It also appears in other German-speaking countries such as Austria or Switzerland. Many of the variants of Behren or von Behren can be traced back to the Low Countries in the Netherlands and Belgium where the name was adopted in the Middle Ages.

In addition, variations of the surname appeared in settler countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia. These variants often derive from the original Dutch spelling, for example, Berenson or Berenzen. The spelling also appears in other countries due to settling communities that migrated in the 19th century, such as in Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Czech Republic.

In all versions of the name, the meaning remains the same and held a reference to someone living near or in a beacon-like setting. Regardless of the variations, the von Behren family is believed to have originated in Germany and then spread throughout the world.

Famous people with the name von Behren

• August von Behren (composer and physician from Germany)
• Ferdinand von Behren (American entrepreneur and industrialist originally from Germany)
• Friedrich von Behren (German author and poet)
• Johann Philipp von Behren (German physician and scientist)
• Ludwig von Behren (German writer and playwright)
• Rudolf von Behren (German textile maker and politician)
• Simon von Behren (German philosopher and theologian)
• Wilhelm von Behren (German entrepreneur and industrialist)
• Hedwig von Behren (German botanist and historian)
• Dieter von Behren (German engineer and technology entrepreneur)
• Konstantin von Behren (German journalist and traveler)
• Mario von Behren (German physicist and economist)
• Tobias von Behren (German businessman and philanthropist)

Other surnames

von Behr