Last Name Erschen

The surname Erschen is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "ersche," meaning "swamp" or "marsh." This surname likely originally denoted someone who lived near or worked in a swampy or marshy area.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Erschen

The meaning and origin of the last name Erschen

The surname Erschen is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "arschen," meaning "to plow," indicating that the original bearer of the surname was likely a farmer or involved in agriculture. The name may also be an occupational surname for someone involved in the cultivation of crops or tilling the land. The surname Erschen is likely to have originated in Germany or an area where German-speaking people settled, such as Austria or Switzerland. Over time, variations of the name may have developed as families migrated or local dialects influenced pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Erschen

The last name Erschen is most commonly found in the United States, with the highest concentration in the state of Wisconsin. It is also present in smaller numbers in Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota. Outside of the United States, Erschen can be found in Luxembourg, where it is believed to have originated. In Europe, the name is less common but can still be found in countries such as Germany and Austria. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Erschen shows a concentration in the United States, particularly in the Midwest region, as well as a presence in select European countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Erschen

The last name Erschen can be spelled as Erschin, Ershen, and Ershein. Other variations or spellings may include Erschens, Ershens, and Erscheen. Alternatively, it could also be spelled as Ershon, Erschan, and Ersheen. Nonetheless, the most common spelling of this last name remains Erschen.

Famous people with the last name Erschen

The most famous people with the last name Erschen include Czechoslovakian ice hockey player Jaroslav Erschen, who played for the national team in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a key player in multiple World Championships and Olympic Games. Another notable figure with the last name Erschen is American artist Nancy Erschen, known for her abstract paintings and installations that have been displayed in galleries and museums around the world. Lastly, Swiss architect and designer Hans Erschen is recognized for his innovative architectural designs that blend modern aesthetics with sustainable practices, earning him numerous awards and accolades in the industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Erschen

The surname Ershen is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "ersch," meaning "live." It is believed to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a stream or body of water. The Ershen family can be traced back to the 14th century in Germany, specifically in the regions of Thuringia and Saxony. Over the centuries, the name has spread to other countries such as the United States, where descendants of the Ershen family have established themselves. Today, individuals with the surname Ershen can be found in various parts of the world, with a notable concentration in the United States. Research on the Ershen family history shows a rich and diverse heritage, with ties to both German and American cultures.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Erschen"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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