What is the origin of the last name Behling?

The last name "Behling" is of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic personal name "Beling" which itself originated from the Old High German word "bëling," meaning "noble" or "highborn." Over time, the suffix "-ing" was added to the name to indicate "descendant of Beling." The surname "Behling" is primarily found in Germany and can also be occasionally found in other German-speaking regions.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Behling

The meaning and origin of the last name Behling

The surname Behling is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German personal name "Bahilo." This name itself is a shortened form of compound names such as "Baldeharius" or "Balthildis," which were popular during the Middle Ages. "Behl" means "bold" or "courageous," while "ing" indicates a patronymic meaning "son of." Therefore, the name Behling originally referred to "the son of Bahilo," indicating that the bearer of this surname was the offspring of someone named Bahilo. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of names evolved, and variations like Behling emerged. Today, individuals with the surname Behling can be found across different countries, but its highest concentration remains in Germany. Like many surnames, Behling reflects the historical influence of personal names and the practice of adopting hereditary surnames to identify family lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Behling

The last name Behling appears to have a relatively concentrated geographical distribution, primarily found in Germany and the United States. In Germany, the name Behling is most prevalent in the northern regions, particularly in the states of Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. These areas have historically been associated with a large number of Germanic surnames. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in states with significant German immigration, such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio. This suggests that many individuals with the last name Behling are descendants of German immigrants who settled in these areas during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Argentina, also have small populations of individuals with the last name Behling, likely due to migration from Germany and the United States. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Behling indicates a strong connection to Germanic origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Behling

The last name Behling, originating from German and Dutch backgrounds, has several variations and spellings. Common variations include Behlin, Behlinge, and Behlingen. It is notable that the name sometimes undergoes changes based on regional dialects and accents. Furthermore, due to migration and anglicization, some individuals may adopt alternative spellings such as Bailing, Beiling, or Beuhling. Additionally, the name may have been translated phonetically when the bearers migrated to English-speaking countries, resulting in spellings like Bealing, Belling, or Böhling. It is important to note that these variations and spellings are diverse and influenced by individual preferences, historic events, and the adoption of anglicized or localized versions of the name. Today, the surname Behling and its variations can be found across various parts of the world, with individuals proudly carrying and preserving their unique family heritage.

Famous people with the last name Behling

There are not many well-known individuals with the last name Behling, but a few have made their mark in their respective fields. One such person is Scott Behling, an accomplished American cinematographer. Scott has worked on various films and television projects, including documentaries and commercials. His keen eye for visual storytelling and technical expertise have garnered him recognition within the industry.

Another individual of note is Friedrich Behling, a celebrated German sculptor. Known for his intricate and detailed creations, Friedrich has exhibited his sculptures in numerous galleries and museums across Europe. His unique style and craftsmanship have propelled him to be recognized as one of the leading contemporary sculptors of his generation.

While these individuals may not have achieved the same level of fame as some other notable figures, their contributions and talents have certainly left an indelible mark within their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Behling

The last name Behling has German origins, stemming from the Old High German name "Pahling," which means "of mixed heritage." The Behling name has been found predominantly in the northern regions of Germany, specifically in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein. Genealogical research reveals that individuals with the surname Behling can be traced back several centuries in these areas, with some records dating as far back as the 16th century. Over time, the name has spread to other European countries, such as Poland and Estonia, potentially due to migration or marriage. Various branches of the Behling family have settled in different parts of the world, including the United States, where they established themselves in states like Michigan and Wisconsin during the 19th century. Overall, the genealogical research on the last name Behling highlights its German origin and its spread across different countries throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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