Surname Blankenhagen - Meaning and Origin
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Blankenhagen: What does the surname Blankenhagen mean?
The surname Blankenhagen is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German words blanc meaning “white” and hagen which means “enclosed settlement” or "enclosure." It is believed that the name originally referred to those of a particular family who lived in a white-walled settlement or enclosure, although there is no definite record of its exact meaning or origin.
The Blankenhagen coat of arms consists of a blue shield bearing a silver demi-eagle rampant, with its wings spread out. The shield is topped by a brown bear’s head, with a red rose shown on the helmet. This particular symbol can be found in several medieval coat of arms used in the Lower Saxony region of Germany. It is possible that the family had their origin in this region.
The Blankenhagen surname is still today in use in mainly Germany, Austria and other countries in Central Europe, although there are some variations in the spelling, such as Blanckenhagen and Blankhenge.
The Blankenhagen family has always been one that values loyalty and respect for tradition. They are an ancient clan with origins tracing back to times when family and social rank were determined by means of heraldic arms. It is not surprising that family members have served in civil and military posts in Germany and other parts of Central Europe throughout the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisBlankenhagen: Where does the name Blankenhagen come from?
The surname Blankenhagen is commonly found in Germany, where many of its holders still live today. The name can mainly be found in the regions of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is especially prevalent in regions around the historic city of Blankenhagen, which was located on the medieval trade road between Trier and Cologne, the "Via Regia". Blankenhagen was an affluent farming community during the Middle Ages and the name originates from this town.
Apart from being quite common in Germany, Blankenhagen is also found in the Netherlands. A small cluster of families with the name live in the cities of Groningen and Drenthe, as well as in the surrounding rural area. Here the name is thought to be of German origin, either coming directly from the town of Blankenhagen or having been changed by Dutch pronunciation.
There are also some people with the surname Blankenhagen in the Americas. Especially in the United States and Brazil, many of the immigrants from Germany, who retain the original spelling of the name, have become prominent citizens. In addition, there are some families with the name living in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Most speakers of the German language, even if they do not have the name Blankenhagen, would find the name familiar and recognize its origins. It is still a relatively common surname in its home countries of Germany, the Netherlands, and other parts of Northern Europe.
Variations of the surname Blankenhagen
The surname Blankenhagen is derived from the place name Blanken, which translates to mean ‘riverbank’ or ‘river bend’ in German. Variants and spellings of the surname Blankenhagen include Blankenhein, Blankenhoin, Blanckenhagen, Blankenhanen, Blankhinen, Blanken, Blankpohin, Blankhagen, Blankenghin, Blankhein, and Blankenagon.
The surname Blankenhagen is found to be more common in Dutch speaking countries, primarily in Dutch itself and the Netherlands. In Germany, where the name originated, the surname is more commonly found with the spelling Blankhein.
Surnames of related etymological origin are Blankenberger, Blankenburg, Blankenagel, and Blankenstein. All of these surnames are derived from the place name Blanken which means ‘riverbank’ or ‘river bend’ in German. Through migration, these surnames can be found in many parts of the world.
The Blankenhagen surname likely began to be used by families outside of Holland and Germany around the 17th century. It is likely that families with this surname fled religious or political persecution and moved away from their homes. As such, the surname was adopted in many countries, given different spellings and variations.
In the modern day, the Blankenhagen surname is quite common in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, and Belgium. It is possible that some families also trace their origin to other countries.
Overall, the Blankenhagen surname is derived from the German place name Blanken, meaning ‘riverbank’ or ‘river bend’. It is found in many countries around the world, and there are many variants and spellings of the surname. Common related surnames are Blankenberger, Blankenburg, Blankenagel, and Blankenstein.
Famous people with the name Blankenhagen
- Ignaz Blankenhagen (1718–1775): 18th-century German composer and theologian.
- Peter Patzak (1924–1992): Austrian actor, director, and screenwriter.
- Manfred Blankenhagen (1930–2009): German painter who exhibited in various galleries around Germany during his lifetime.
- Erwin Blankenhagen (born 1938): German actor who appeared in more than 150 films and television programs.
- Vitali Blankenhagen (born 1962): German economist and professor of Economics at the University of Münster.
- Henning Blankenhagen (born 1965): German saxophonist, flutist, and composing musician.
- Claudia Blankenhagen (born 1968): German television and radio presenter.
- Helge Blankenhagen (born 1969): German actor known for his work on television and in film.
- Richard Blankenhagen (born 1971): German screenwriter who won the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles’ best feature film award in 2003.
- Kalli Blankenhagen (born 1993): German footballer who plays as a striker for Borussia Dortmund.