Last Name Deppen

The surname Deppen is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name for someone who lived near a deep place in a body of water, such as a lake or river. The name comes from the Middle High German word "teppene," meaning "deep spot" or "shoal." In some instances, it could also be a nickname for a sturdy or robust person, as "deppen" was sometimes used to describe someone large and strong in medieval Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Deppen

The meaning and origin of the last name Deppen

The surname Deppen is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German "dep" or "deb," meaning "deep." This name was often given to individuals who lived near deep pools of water or in valleys that were particularly deep. Over time, variations such as Depeen, Deepen, and Deppe emerged due to dialectal differences within Germany and neighboring regions. The name Deppen spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, with notable bearers appearing in countries like France, Belgium, and England. Today, it remains most prevalent in German-speaking populations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the geographical and cultural history of early European settlements.

Geographical distribution of the last name Deppen

The surname Deppen is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States, where it is most concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast regions. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, suggesting a potential German or Swiss-German origin due to historical immigration patterns from those areas. Smaller groups of Deppens can also be found in other parts of the country, such as Texas and California. Outside the United States, the name is less common, with occasional instances recorded in Germany, Switzerland, and Canada. Its distribution reflects a strong historical presence in North America among families of German descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Deppen

The surname Deppen has several variations and spellings, including Dappon, Deppe, Depp, Deppen, Depping, and Deppin. These variations primarily stem from differences in spelling conventions over time and regional dialects. The name is of German origin and is derived from the word "top" or "teppich," meaning carpet or rug. It can be traced back to the Rhine-Franconian region, where it was first recorded as "de Tepin" in the 13th century. Today, individuals with this name can be found across the globe, and its variations reflect the diverse ways people have adapted and passed down this surname throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Deppen

The Deppen surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is George Deppen, an American soldier who served during the Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Tennessee. In more recent times, Jeffrey DeMunn, born Jeffrey DePencier Deppen, is a renowned American actor known for his roles in The Walking Dead and Shawshank Redemption. Additionally, Sarah DePenn is a political activist from the United States who has made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Lastly, Tessa Thompson, born Rhea Dawn DePohl but professionally known as Tessa Thompson, is an acclaimed American actress, singer, and model, recognized for her roles in Creed, Thor: Ragnarok, and Westworld. Despite their diverse professions and backgrounds, all these individuals share the Deppen surname, demonstrating the global impact of families bearing this name.

Genealogical research on the last name Deppen

The surname Deppen has roots traced back to Germany, specifically the Rhine region. Its earliest documented occurrence dates to the late Middle Ages. One of the first known bearers was Conradus de Thayphen, who resided in Koblenz around 1275. Over time, several branches developed within this lineage, with notable families settling in areas such as Pfalz and Württemberg.

During the 18th century, some members of the Deppen family immigrated to America, primarily settling in Pennsylvania and other parts of the eastern United States, where they became farmers and craftsmen. The American branch has produced notable individuals, including James P. Deppen, a Pennsylvania state senator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, the Deppen surname is distributed across various regions of the world, with significant populations found in Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this fascinating lineage and its historical contexts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Deppen"
• 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

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