Surname von Bergen - Meaning and Origin

von Bergen: What does the surname von Bergen mean?

The last name von Bergen is a historically German surname originating from the Niedersächsische Bergland region in the country of Germany. It is derived from the German word for mountain, ‘berg’. The von Bergen surname is typically associated with the Niedersächsische Bergland since family members of this name have long since been recorded to have resided in this region.

The name is another version of the German traditional surnames ‘von Bergen’ and ‘von Berg’, both of which literally mean ‘from the mountain’. Therefore, it is likely that those with this surname originally stem from families that had moved to this region in search of work, or to flee trouble elsewhere. Over the centuries, von Bergen’s ancestors may have first settled in the Niedersächsische Bergland region sometime in the 15th century, and the surname may have been derived from an ancestor having been employed in the forestry industry or related activities.

The von Bergen family have a long history of political involvement in the Niedersächsische Bergland region, with records indicating that some members of the family have held governing roles and political positions in the area since the 17th century. Today, the von Bergen family has grown and spread out all over the world, and its members can be found across all walks of life - from business owners to teachers and even doctors.

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

The last name von Bergen is a common surname in areas of German-speaking Europe, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It likely derives from the old Germanic word "bergen," which means "mountain," which in turn may have been derived from the Middle High German word "berg," or "mountain." This suggests that those bearing the last name von Bergen may have once been powerful rulers of a territory encompassing a mountainous area.

Today the last name von Bergen is still common throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also seen scattered elsewhere, such as in America, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which have large populations of German immigrants. It is also common in parts of the United Kingdom, and there is a higher concentration of von Bergen families in the west of England.

In addition to Europe, parts of South America like Argentina and Uruguay also have German populations, many of whom adopted the last name von Bergen when they emigrated to these countries. Therefore, the last name can be found throughout Europe, as well as scattered throughout other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname von Bergen

The surname von Bergen originates from Germany, and is a hereditary noble title associated with the regions of Brandenburg, Berlin, and Saxony. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:

• Von Bergen

• Vonbergen

• Vonberg

• Bergen

• Berg

• Bergens

• Bergh

• Burgh

• Burghs

• Burghausen

• Burg

• Berger

• Bergman

• Burgen

• Burgos

• Burgon

• Burgmann

• Perg

• Pergon

• Pergens

• Burgin

• Bergenaar

• Burgi

• Burgner

• Bergensmann

• Bergenmeier

• Bergmanis

• Burgan

• Bergene

• Bergenian

• Bergensdorf

• Bergenthal

• Burga

• Burger

• Bergmann

The surname is associated with a strong military tradition in its noble origins, especially related to providing defense for members of the royal court. Today, those with the surname of von Bergen and its variants are highly respected, often receiving preferential status within certain geographical regions or scenarios.

Famous people with the name von Bergen

• Ernst von Bergmann (1836–1907): A German surgeon and professor of medicine, Bergmann was a key figure in medical innovation and is known for being one of the first doctors to practice antiseptic medicine.
• Otto von Bergmann (1839–1905): A German general, Bergmann served in the Prussian and then in the German Army, where he was a well-respected military leader.
• Wilhelm von Berger (1901–1966): A German anthropologist, ethnologist, and geographer, Berger was a prolific scholar who conducted extensive research on culture and customs throughout the world.
• Daisy von Bergen (1921–2010): An American actress and dancer, von Bergen was a Broadway star in the 1940s and 1950s known for her performances in musicals such as The Pajama Game and The King and I.
• Marie von Bergen (1937–2017): An Austrian-born French alpine skier, von Bergen won two Olympic gold medals and set 22 women's world records in speed skiing.
• Gustav von Bergen (1943–2020): A German businessman, von Bergen served as CEO of the family-owned company Hartung & Company, which produces and exports activated carbon and specialty chemicals.
• Alexandra von Bergen (1953–present): An American philanthropist, von Bergen is chair of the Clara Von Bergen Foundation, which works to promote access to quality medical care and education for underserved populations.
• Verena von Bergen (1983–present): A German environmental activist, von Bergen is the founder of the organization “Conservation and Efficient Use of Resources”, which focuses on the reduction of resource consumption and improving sustainable living.

Other surnames

von Bergvon Bernstorff