Last Name Karsten

The last name "Karsten" has Germanic origins. It is derived from a personal name composed of two elements: "Karl," meaning man, free man, and "Stein," which means stone. This surname was often given to someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or had some association with stones. The name can also be found in Scandinavian countries, where it has been Germanized.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Karsten

The meaning and origin of the last name Karsten

The surname Karsten is of German origin, derived from the personal name Karst, which means "rocky" or "stony" in Old High German. It was initially used as a given name and subsequently evolved into a hereditary surname. Over time, it underwent various spelling changes, including Carsten, Karstens, and Karsten, due to regional dialects and scribal errors. The name spread across Germany during the Middle Ages with early bearers residing in regions like Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. As Germans migrated to other parts of Europe and the world in search of better opportunities, Karsten became a common surname in countries such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, and the United States. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive name in many Germanic-speaking communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Karsten

The surname Karsten is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Switzerland, where it originates from. Historically, it was also common in Northern France, particularly in Alsace, due to migration and territorial disputes between the two countries. Today, significant populations of people with the last name Karsten can be found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as a result of German immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other European countries such as Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands. Additionally, due to global migration patterns, Karsten can now be found in various parts of the world, albeit in relatively low frequencies outside its original regions of origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Karsten

The surname Karsten has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Carsten, Karthausen, Karlsten, and Karstensson. Each variant may have originated from a specific location or time period, reflecting the migration patterns and cultural influences throughout history. For example, "Carsten" is an Anglicized version of the name, while "Karlsten" might be more common in Scandinavian countries due to Viking influence. Additionally, some variations may have been influenced by the local dialect or phonetic changes over time. It's essential to note that the exact origin and meaning of the name Karsten can vary based on its specific variant. Some believe it derives from Germanic roots, meaning "man Power" or "free man," while others suggest it has connections to Norse mythology. Ultimately, each variation represents a unique lineage and history for those bearing the surname.

Famous people with the last name Karsten

Notable individuals with the surname Karsten include:

1. James Karsten (born 1956), an American astronaut who flew on Space Shuttle mission STS-88, becoming one of only five people to have visited both Mir and the International Space Station.
2. David Karsten (born 1934), a German mathematician known for his work in mathematical modeling and computational fluid dynamics. He has made significant contributions to understanding aerodynamics and developing wind tunnel testing techniques.
3. Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Karsten (1817-1882), a German philologist, linguist, and professor of Slavic languages at the University of Leipzig. Known for his studies on the Baltic and Slavic languages, he was one of the founders of modern Russian linguistics.
4. Robert Karsten (1925-2017), an American painter who was a founding member of the San Francisco Art Institute and a significant figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. His works are held in museums worldwide.
5. Karsten Warholm (born 1996), a Norwegian athlete specializing in hurdles and multi-event disciplines. He is a multiple World Champion, European Champion, and Olympic gold medalist in the 400m hurdles event.

These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments and influence of those sharing the surname Karsten across various fields, including academia, astronomy, art, linguistics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Karsten

The surname Karsten is of German origin, derived from the given name Karsch or Karl, which translates to Charles in English. It first appeared in medieval Germany, where it was traditionally associated with the noble class and royalty. The earliest recorded ancestor bearing this name was Conrad Karstin, who lived during the late Middle Ages (1200-1399). Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved from Karstin to Karsten as it spread across Germany and other parts of Europe, particularly Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Notable individuals with this surname include German composer Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (known for his contributions to classical music during the Baroque period) and American journalist and author John F. Karsten. The family tree of Karsten extends across various continents, with a substantial presence in North America due to emigration waves from Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Karsten"
• 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 June 2025

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