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Last Name Biehn

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What is the origin of the last name Biehn?

The surname Biehn is of German origin. It derives from various place names in Germany that contain the element "Bien," meaning beehive, as in a settlement where beekeeping was an important activity. Some examples include Bienen (near Frankfurt), Bienchen (near Heidelberg), and Bienenbüttel (in Lower Saxony). Over time, these names evolved into the surname Biehn, which is now found predominantly in Germany but has also been distributed to other parts of the world due to immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Biehn

The meaning and origin of the last name Biehn

The surname Biehn is of German origin, derived from various places named Bein or Beine in Germany, which are associated with bodies of water. The name likely comes from Middle High German "bein" meaning 'stream' or 'brook', and "Bein-aue" meaning 'stream bank'. The surname Biehn may also be a variation of the Old French "Beignet", meaning 'ring-shaped pastry', which was brought to Germany by Crusaders, later adopted as a surname. Over time, variations of the name have emerged such as Bein, Beine, Beyen, and Byehn due to spelling changes and regional dialects in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Biehn

The surname Biehn is predominantly found in Germany and Switzerland, where it originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a beech tree or forest, derived from the Middle High German word "bieh" meaning beech. Variations such as Bee, Bein, Beyen, and Bye are also associated with this name. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, the Biehn surname has spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas. In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, a significant number of people bearing the name Biehn can be traced back to German immigrants who arrived during the 18th and 19th centuries. The name is also found in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Australia, due to migration from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Biehn

The surname Biehn, while predominantly of German origin, can be found with various spellings and variants due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some of the notable variations include Beihn, Beyhn, Byehn, Bihen, Bein, Beyen, and Byehan. The name Biehn is believed to originate from the German word "Bein" meaning leg or limb, and was likely an occupational name for a blacksmith, cartwright, or a craftsman who worked with metal or wood. It's also possible that it could be a locative name derived from place names containing the element Bein in Germany. These variations and spellings provide insights into the historical migration patterns and cultural influences on personal names over time.

Famous people with the last name Biehn

Lori Biehn is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as "Planet Terror," "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," and "Army of Darkness." Michael Biehn, on the other hand, is a renowned actor recognized for his performances in various science fiction and action movies, including "The Terminator," "Aliens," and "Tombstone." Bill Biehn is a former professional ice hockey player who played for teams like the Minnesota North Stars, Hartford Whalers, and Buffalo Sabres throughout the 1980s. Lastly, Jevon Biehn is a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Halifax Hurricanes of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC). These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are famous representatives of the Biehn surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Biehn

The surname Biehn is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Behun" and Middle High German "Beyne," which mean "bee" or "honey." Early recorded instances of the name include Hans Beyne in Nuremberg, Germany in 1365. The family migrated to America during the 18th and 19th centuries, with some settling in Pennsylvania and other parts of the Midwest. Prominent figures with the Biehn surname include Lance Henriksen, an American actor known for his roles in films like "Aliens" and "The Terminator," and Tom Biehn, a pioneering German-American farmer and politician who served as a state senator in Wisconsin in the late 19th century. The family tree is diverse, with branches in various occupations including farming, politics, and entertainment.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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