Last Name Askan

The surname Askani (or variations such as Aschan, Aschaffeney) has German origins. It is a locational name from any of several places called Askania, which were located in Germany and Poland. The place names are derived from an Old Slavic personal name Ashka, meaning 'askew' or 'oblique', combined with the suffix -ania, denoting a place belonging to someone. During the Middle Ages, Germans began to adopt surnames as a way of identification, often deriving their names from their occupation, region they lived in, or physical characteristics. The use of locational names, such as Askani, was common and was often given to people who had left their original village and moved elsewhere. In this case, the name would have been used to denote where someone came from or perhaps owned land.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Askan

The meaning and origin of the last name Askan

The surname Askhan (or Aschan) is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German "ask" meaning "ash tree" or "Asca", an old tribal name belonging to various Germanic peoples. Over time, it underwent variations in spelling and pronunciation as families moved across borders, with different countries adopting their own orthographic conventions. For instance, the modern German spelling is Askahn or Ask, while the Ashcan School of American art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was named after the German word for an ash can. Today, individuals bearing the surname Askhan (or its variants) are predominantly found across Europe and North America, reflecting the historical migrations of people with this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Askan

The surname Askán is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. It's a variant or derivative of the Jewish Ashkenazi name "Iskowitz" or similar forms, which has a historical presence across these regions due to the Jewish diaspora. The name also appears occasionally in other parts of Europe, but its concentration remains highest in Central and Eastern Europe. Over time, some individuals with this surname may have migrated to other countries, leading to its presence in smaller numbers in other parts of the world. However, it is essential to note that the distribution can vary significantly due to factors like historical events, migration patterns, and assimilation processes.

Variants and spellings of the last name Askan

The surname Askhan has several variations and spellings. These include Askhen, Aschan, Aschen, Askehn, and Aschon. These variations arise from differences in spelling conventions and regional pronunciations over time. For instance, "Aschan" may be found in German-speaking regions, while "Askhen" is more common among those of Russian or Eastern European descent. In some cases, the name can also appear as a single word (e.g., Askon) due to variations in how names are written in different languages and cultures. Therefore, it's essential to consider these factors when researching this surname and its history.

Famous people with the last name Askan

The Askans are a prominent family known for their contributions in various fields. One notable member is Jacob Aschan (1738-1802), a Swedish architect and engineer who was instrumental in the development of Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city. His works include the Gothenburg Observatory and the University Aula. In the world of literature, there is Isaac Leeser Askwith (1809-1864), an American rabbi, publisher, and educator who was a leading figure in the Reform Judaism movement in the United States during the 19th century. Additionally, there is Michael Aschwanden Askwith (1852-1923), a Norwegian politician and businessman who served as Norway's Minister of Justice from 1907 to 1909. Lastly, in the realm of art, there is Esther Aschwanden Askwith (1866-1945), a Norwegian painter who was a member of the Norwegian Academy of Fine Arts and exhibited her work at the National Exhibition of Fine Art in Kristiania (now Oslo) on multiple occasions.

Genealogical research on the last name Askan

The surname Askán (also spelled Askany, Aschan) is of Slavic origin, derived from the Old Slavonic word "ask", meaning "ask, question". It is primarily found among Ashkenazi Jewish families who reside in Central and Eastern Europe.

One notable lineage of the Askán family can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic), where they held significant positions as nobles during the reign of King Ottokar II Premysl in the 13th century. This branch later produced the famous Askán dynasty, which ruled the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire for over two centuries.

Another notable lineage emerged in Poland and Lithuania during the late Middle Ages. Some members of this family served as court physicians to various rulers, while others played significant roles in Jewish communities throughout Eastern Europe.

The Askán family continues to be present in both Jewish and non-Jewish populations across Central and Eastern Europe, with notable concentrations in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary today. Genealogical research can provide a wealth of information about this fascinating surname, tracing its various branches and exploring their histories in different parts of Europe over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "askan"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends