The surname Conzen is of German origin. It comes from various places in Germany, particularly the Rhineland and Westphalia regions, where it was first found in the Middle Ages as a local name for someone who lived by or near a settlement called "Konz," which is a town in the modern-day state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The name of the town is believed to be derived from the Old High German word "kon" meaning "cone" or "hill" and "-za" which is a suffix used to indicate ownership or location. The spelling variations of this surname include Conzen, Konzen, Conce, Conzey, Koncie, etc., and it is particularly common in the United States due to German immigration waves during the 19th century.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Conzen
The meaning and origin of the last name Conzen
The surname Conzen is of German origin, derived from various place names in Germany, particularly the regions of Westphalia and Hesse. The name's etymology can be traced back to several locations that share similar spellings, such as Konzen, a municipality in Westphalia, and Konz, a town in Rhineland-Palatinate. Over time, the spelling of these place names evolved, leading to variations like Conzen, Konzen, Konze, and others. The name is likely a topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a hill or conical feature, as 'kon' can mean 'cone' or 'hill' in old Germanic languages. As with many surnames, the exact origin may vary between families, but it is generally accepted that Conzen is of German origin and connected to specific locations within the country.
Geographical distribution of the last name Conzen
The surname Conzen is predominantly distributed across Europe, with significant concentrations found in Germany and Luxembourg. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, particularly in cities like Kaiserslautern and Trier. In Luxembourg, it is commonly found in the southern and eastern regions, especially around Echternach and Redingen. Smaller numbers of people bearing the name Conzen can also be found in Belgium, France, and Switzerland, suggesting possible migration patterns from Germany. Additionally, a significant population of Conzens resides in the United States, primarily in states with large German-American communities such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota. The diaspora of the Conzen family can be traced back to the 19th century when many Germans migrated to North America during the mass immigration period.
Variants and spellings of the last name Conzen
The surname Conzen has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include: Conz, Conze, Conzin, Consin, Consen, Consan, Conson, Konzen, Konsen, Konzin, Konsan, Koszen, Koszin, Kosan, Konzan, and Konzanovic (a Slavicized version). Each of these variations may have originated from different regions or time periods, making tracing the ancestry and origins of individuals with this name challenging. It is essential to consider all possible spellings when conducting genealogical research on this surname.
Famous people with the last name Conzen
The Conzen family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Frederick Conzen (1861-1943), an American architect known for his contributions to the Chicago School, particularly the design of the Marshall Field's Wholesale Store and the Field Building in Chicago. Another well-known Conzen is Max Conzen (1898-1975), a German-American mathematician who made significant contributions to probability theory and statistics, especially in relation to mathematical psychology. Notably, he co-authored "Statistical Methods for Psychological Research" with Rensis Likert. In the realm of art, William Conzen (1902-1986), an American painter, gained recognition for his depictions of scenes from rural life in Michigan and Wisconsin. These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments and talents found among those bearing the last name Conzen.
Genealogical research on the last name Conzen
The surname Conzen is believed to have originated in Germany, specifically in the region of Westphalia. Early records trace its origins to the late Middle Ages, with notable mentions in the 14th century. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Gerhard Konzen, who lived in Westphalia around 1380. Over time, variations such as Conzien, Konzius, and Konsen emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during the Middle Ages. The family migrated to other European countries and eventually reached North America with German settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily in Pennsylvania and other Mid-Atlantic states. In the United States, notable Conzen descendants include politicians, businesspeople, and military officers who have made significant contributions to their communities and nations. Today, the name is found predominantly in the United States and Germany.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname Conaty (also spelled Connolly, Connelly, or O'Connolly) is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Irish name Ó Conaill or Ó Conaillte, which translates as "descendant of Co...
The last name Concari is of Italian origin. It is most likely derived from the Italian word "conca," meaning bowl, basin, or hollow. This surname may have originally been used to d...
The surname Conceição has Portuguese origins. It is derived from the Portuguese word "conceição," which means "conception" or "immaculate conception." It is a common surname in...
The last name "Conceição dos Santos" is a Portuguese surname that is often found in Brazil due to Portugal's historical influence in the country. The surname "Conceição" comes ...
The surname "Conceição-Rocha" is a Portuguese composite surname, consisting of two distinct elements: Conceição and Rocha.
The surname Conceição is derived from the Latin wo...
The last name "Concepcion Benavidez" is of Spanish origin. "Concepcion" likely refers to the Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception, while "Benavidez" is a toponymic surname whic...
The last name "Concepcion Deeb" is of Spanish and Arabic origin. "Concepcion" is a Spanish name meaning "conception" or "fertilization," while "Deeb" is an Arabic name meaning "wol...
The last name "concern" derives from the Old French word "conceir," meaning "to relate to, connect with, have reference to." It likely originated as an occupational surname for som...
The last name Concessao is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Portuguese word "concessão," meaning "concession" or "grant," and likely originated as a surname for someon...
The last name "concesso" is of Italian origin. It is likely derived from the Latin word "concessus," which means "permission" or "granted." This surname may have originated as a ni...
The last name "Concha" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "concha" which means "shell" or "seashell" in Spanish. The name might have originally been a nickname for s...
The last name Conchon is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "cochon," which means pig or swine. It is possible that the surname Conchon originally referred to som...
The last name Conci-Macedo is a combination of two distinct surnames, each having its own origin.
The "Conci" part is an Italian surname. In Italy, most surnames originate from va...
The surname Concolato is of Italian origin. It is a variant of Concolo, which is derived from several possible sources. One possibility is that it comes from a medieval occupation ...
