Surname Bettner - Meaning and Origin
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Bettner: What does the surname Bettner mean?
The last name Bettner derives from the German word “Bettner” which translates to “bed-maker” or “bed maker”. This indicates that the first bearers of the name were likely in the profession of making beds, though it has also been theorized that it could mean “bedburner” or “a maker or seller of mattresses”.
The name Bettner is one of the most common German family names. It is found throughout the German-speaking regions of Europe, from Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria to German-speaking regions of Poland, Romania, and Hungary. It is also one of the most common names in German Jewish communities.
The first documented mention of the name Bettner could be traced back to the year 1291 in Kempen, Germany, where 12 people with the name Bettner appear on records. It is believed that these people were indeed bed-makers or sellers of mattresses, and as such their profession became their surname. Over time, the name spread across Europe, especially during the 19th century as millions of Germans immigrated to North America, where it remains popular to this day.
The name suggests an origin that is heavily steeped in tradition and craftsmanship, as it carries the suggestion of a professional whose livelihood was dependent upon their skill in making beds, mattresses, and other furniture items. The Bettner family name conveys a skill and tradition passed on from generation to generation.
Order DNA origin analysisBettner: Where does the name Bettner come from?
The surname Bettner is common throughout Europe and North America. In North America, the surname is most commonly found in the United States, and can be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and other states. In Europe, the surname is concentrated in Germany and Austria.
The surname Bettner was quite popular in the 1700s when German and Austrian immigrants to the United States brought the name with them. It is believed that the surname originates from a location called "Bettner," which was in a region located in Upper Austria. As people scattered throughout North America, they kept their surname, and the Bettner surname became even more widespread.
Today, the Bettner surname is still common in the United States and other parts of the world, as many descendants of those original immigrants still carry the name. For example, a quick search of the United States Census Bureau shows that there were over 20,000 people in the United States with the surname Bettner in 2017.
The surname continues to be found in German and Austrian regions, with large numbers of those families still carrying the same name. Additionally, it is believed that the Bettner surname stretches beyond these regions and can be found in other countries, such as Poland, Hungary, Russia, and Slovakia.
Variations of the surname Bettner
The surname Bettner has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include:
Bettner
Bettnar
Bettener
Bettnar
Bettenar
Bednar
Bedner
Bednera
Bednara
Betnar
Betner
Biedermeier
Biedner
Bietner
Bietenheim
Bietnar
Bietener
Bijtner
Bijter
Bijters
Bitteners
Bettona
Bettman
Bedtnor
Bettonar
The Bettner surname likely originated in the Germanic lands of Europe. The origin can be traced back to the medieval occupation of the Bettnerer, which meant "someone who sewed mattresses and bedding." The surname Bettner has several meanings, such as "one who is cheerful," or "one who is devoted to the bedding and mattress trade," or "one who is blessed with bedding and mattress skills." During classification and enumeration in Europe, it was often spelled incorrectly in government documents such as the census data, resulting in the various spellings and surnames that still exist today.
The Bettner surname can still be found in many countries across Europe, including Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Switzerland. It is also present in North America, especially the United States, and may have been adapted to fit the anglicized spelling of the time.
The surname Bettner is an enduring legacy, with a long and storied history in Europe. It is a testament to those hardworking individuals and craftsmen who devoted their lives to perfecting the craft of making quality bedding and mattresses centuries ago, leaving their name for future generations.
Famous people with the name Bettner
- Commodore Cornelius Kingsley Garrison Bettner (1845-1895): Professional civil engineer and banker known for his leadership of the banking division of the Hampton and Branchville Railroad Company in the late 19th century.
- John Bettner (1870-1951): Baseball player and coach who played for and managed multiple teams in the early 20th century, achieving the longest streak ever with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Joe Bettner (1899-1977): Professional baseball coach who served as pitching coach for the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Browns, and Philadelphia Phillies in the 1930s-40s.
- Laura Bettner (1969-Present): Actress, singer, and dancer best known for her roles in popular films such as Hocus Pocus, Jurassic Park, and Reality Bites.
- Mark Bettner (1974-Present): Professional basketball player for seven teams in the International Basketball League, and also played for the Brooklyn Kings and the St. Louis Swarm in the National Basketball League.
- Eric Bettner (1974-Present): Music producer, engineer, and songwriter who has worked with artists such as John Mayer, Paramore, and Slipknot.
- Bill Bettner (1975-Present): Co-founder and CEO of the interactive gaming and media company, Zynga.
- Matthew Bettner (1981-Present): Professional surfer and instructor who was named to the ESPN X-Games Surfing Team in 1998.
- Kristen Bettner (1989-Present): Professional cyclist and two-time winner of the National Hill Climb and Criterium Series in the United States.