Surname von Kersten - Meaning and Origin
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von Kersten: What does the surname von Kersten mean?
The last name von Kersten is a noble surname suggesting German or Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the old German word kerr, which means 'marshland'. The 'von' prefix indicates that the family is of noble origin, possibly stemming from a location with a large marshland. The suffix 'sten' is a diminutive meaning 'small' or 'little', suggesting that the family had a smaller, more isolated presence in the area.
The surname would normally be associated with persons of noble descent and, as such, would likely have been passed down to future generations through marriages between nobles. It is also not uncommon for members of a noble family to take a surname derived from the name of their ancestral home. In the case of von Kersten, it is possible that the family was the ruling or land-holding family of a marshland or wetland estate.
The name von Kersten is likely to be quite rare today, and it is possible that the surname has become extinct or is now rarely used. However, it is not unusual for nobility to take on surnames only during certain periods, or to change them to reflect marriages or other family events. As such, it is possible that variants or versions of the name may be found, though it is not clear when and by whom the surname was originally used.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Kersten: Where does the name von Kersten come from?
The last name von Kersten is a German-language surname, derived from the old Germanic word kersten, meaning “supplier” or “provider.” It is a noble name and is most commonly found in Germany and Austria, but also in other countries with a large German-speaking population, such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg. It is also sometimes found in countries with a sizable German diaspora, such as Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
In Germany and Austria, von Kersten is a well-known name, found in various European noble families. The most famous family to bear this name is the von Kerstens of the Duchy of Saxony, a noble family that dates back to the Middle Ages. It has been connected with various branches of the German nobility throughout the centuries, from the ruling Saxon dukes and margraves down to the lesser counts, barons, and landed gentry. They also have relatives in other countries, such as Italy, Russia, and the United States.
At present, von Kersten is still a well-known name in German-speaking countries. It is used by people in various parts of the world, as well as in Germany and Austria. The von Kersten name also still has family ties throughout Europe, and there are numerous German noble families that still bear this name.
Variations of the surname von Kersten
The surname von Kersten is a patronymic surname originating from Germany, though it is also found in other parts of Europe. It is derived from the German words “Kerst” and “en” which mean “Kerst” and “son” and is translated to mean “son of Kerst”.
The most commonly seen spelling variants for this surname are von Kersten, Kersten and Kärsten. Less common variants of this surname include Kersche, Kerst, and Kirsh.
This surname may have derived from the German and Scandinavian name Kerst which was commonly used as a given name in medieval Germany. It is also possible that this surname originated as a nickname for a person with curly hair or as an occupational name for a person who resided near a church.
Variations of this surname can also be found in other countries, such as the Czech Republic, where it would be spelled Kerstl, in Poland, where it would be spelled Kerstyn and in Sweden, where it would be spelled Kerstens.
In some cases, the prefix “von” may be dropped and the surname spelled as simply Kersten. Surnames of similar origin which may be related to von Kersten include Kerstin, van Kersten, Kerst, Kesten, and Kuren.
Famous people with the name von Kersten
- Ernie von Kersten: German-born film director active in the early 20th century
- Carl-Johan von Kersten: Swedish Army officer and Heraldry expert
- August Ferdinand von Kersten: German General in World War I
- Robert von Kersten: German-American aviator and pioneering aviator
- Heinz von Kersten: German chemist and professor
- Matilda von Kersten: Swedish opera singer of the late 19th century
- Richard von Kersten: Austrian-American engineer and inventor
- Sheriff von Kersten: Austrian-born doctor and surgeon
- Leonard von Kersten: German architect and urban planner
- Karl von Kersten: German-American educator, professor, and scientist
- Eric von Kersten: German painter and sculptor
- Frederick von Kersten: German-American diplomat and political theorist