Surname Linnen - Meaning and Origin
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Linnen: What does the surname Linnen mean?
Linnen is a surname of German and Dutch origin. The name likely refers to a person or family who worked in the linen trade, or a person or family that lived near a linen-producing region. Linen is a type of fabric made from the processed fibers of the flax plant.
The popularity of the surname can be traced back to 12th century Germany, where linen production was a widespread industry. At this time, people working in the linen trade or living near a linen-producing area would adopt the Linnen surname. The name has spread around Germany and into other countries, since then, as people of the surname migrated from their original region.
Today, those bearing the name of Linnen can be found in various parts of the United States, located primarily along the East Coast, as well as in Germany, Canada, and other countries around the world. The issue of what the name means though has been lost over time, though it's likely that people would have understood it as a reference to the linen trade when the name was first adopted.
Order DNA origin analysisLinnen: Where does the name Linnen come from?
The last name Linnen is most commonly found in Germany today. Located primarily in the northwest region of the country, it is also found in other areas such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is estimated to be held by around 600 people in Germany alone.
The origins of the surname still remain largely unknown, though some theorize that it could be derived from the Latin name 'Limpius' or the German 'Linne', meaning 'flax growers'. It could also have derived from Lind, meaning lime or linden tree, or Linden, implying someone from the area of Linden in North Germany.
In Germany, the name is spread out over several locations, mainly in the municipality of Linnen in Hesse, where the name is the most popular. However, it can also be found in Lower Saxony, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Bavaria, as well as in other European countries.
Immigrants of the surname Linnen have also been traced back to North America, arriving in the early part of the 19th century. The name is mainly with German Americans today, existing among other ethnicities.
Throughout the course of centuries, the name Linnen has managed to survive and even rally to prominence in many countries today. Despite its diversified and spread out location, it remains strongly associated with Germany, a country with much rich history and heritage.
Variations of the surname Linnen
The surname Linnen has a few variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Linen and Linnan. Other variants can include Linnin, Lynan, Lynen, Linnun, Linin, Linnan, and Leanen.
The surname is most common in Scotland but can also be found in England and Ireland. It is of patronymic origin and derived from the given name Leon or Leonidas. It may also be derived from the Middle English or Old English lynne or lenne, meaning a cloth made of flax.
The primary spelling of Linnen is derived from Old German lein, meaning linen fabric, which is also known as a surname in English, Irish, and Scots families.
In some cases, these surnames may have been used interchangeably throughout history. Other surnames associated with the same origin are Linn, Linton, Leanne, Linnick, Linnard, Linnell, Linnet, and Linton.
These surnames often appear in records as being of Scottish origin, and it seems to have been used primarily in Scotland until the industrial revolution which saw it appear with greater frequency in England and Ireland.
The prevalence of these surnames in Scotland today has been linked to the 1841 Scottish census noting that nearly 3,000 people with these surnames were living in Scotland. It is believed that the name had become established in Scotland through migration from England and Ireland.
Famous people with the name Linnen
- Grant Linnen: an American football player based in California who has featured in both college and professional games.
- Ruth Linnen: an Australian writer renowned for her award-winning novel Narracott.
- Phillip Linnen: a prominent figure in the British academic world, currently serving as the vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester.
- Kevin Linnen: a Canadian musician who has released several studio albums, including The Great Beyond.
- Sidney Linnen: an American actor known for his roles in the Marvel superhero movie franchise.
- Liz Linnen: an American television presenter known for presenting hit shows such as The Today Show and Good Morning America.
- Elisabeth Linnen: a German contemporary artist specializing in oil painting and sculpture.
- Charles Linnen: an American lawyer best known for his long track record of representing clients in criminal and civil litigation matters.
- Howard Linnen: an American business executive who currently serves as the chairman of the board of directors for the company Capital One.
- Sid Linnen: an Australian musician who is renowned for his blend of jazz and funk styles, often playing with his band the Linnen String Quartet.