Last Name Von-appen

The surname "von Appen" is a German and Dutch toponymic name, meaning "from Appen." Appen refers to places named after the old German word for heather, which may describe a location covered with heather or refer to someone who lived near such a place. Toponymic names are among the oldest forms of surnames in Germany and the Netherlands, originating from the 12th and 13th centuries as a means of identification when population growth made it necessary for people to adopt unique names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Von-appen

The meaning and origin of the last name Von-appen

The surname Von Appen is a German name derived from a place name. The word "Von" is a German preposition that means 'from' or 'of', often used in noble titles to denote aristocratic descent. The term "Appen" originates from various locations in Germany, such as Appen in the Lower Rhine region and Appenweier in Baden-Württemberg. These places were named after apple trees due to their abundant orchards. Over time, these place names evolved into surnames for people who lived or originated from these areas. The Von Appen family may have adopted the name to signify their geographical origins or possible noble lineage associated with certain locations in Germany.

Geographical distribution of the last name Von-appen

The surname "von Appen" is primarily found in Germany and the Netherlands, with significant concentrations in both countries. Historically, it originated from the region of Westphalia in Germany, where many noble families bearing this name were present during the Middle Ages. Over time, it migrated to the Netherlands as a result of historical events such as wars and migrations. Today, the surname can also be found in other parts of Europe, particularly in countries with significant Dutch or German immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. It's important to note that like many surnames, "von Appen" can have various spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Von-appen

The surname von Appen can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common variants:

1. VonAppen: This is a direct variation, with a space separating 'von' and 'Appen.'
2. Vonappen: This variant omits the space between 'von' and 'Appen.'
3. Van Appen: In Dutch, the preposition 'van' can replace 'von,' resulting in this spelling variation.
4. VanAppen: Similar to the previous one, but with a space separating 'van' and 'Appen.'
5. Vonderappan: This variant may arise due to phonetic interpretation or misinterpretation of the original German name.
6. Von der Appen: This is another German variant, where 'von der' (meaning 'of the') replaces 'von.'
7. Van der Appen (Dutch) and Vanderappan (phonetic variation) are also possible due to the Dutch influence in some regions.

Famous people with the last name Von-appen

Notable individuals with the surname von Appen include:

1. Bernd von Appen (born 1943), a retired German football player and coach who played for the West Germany national team, winning the 1972 European Football Championship and the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

2. Christian von Appen (born 1964), a German actor known for his roles in movies such as "Das Boot" and "The Neverending Story."

3. Ingrid von Appen (1908-1995), a German stage and film actress who gained fame during the Weimar Republic, working with directors such as Fritz Lang and Otto Preminger.

4. Jochen von Appen (born 1961), a German former professional footballer who played for several clubs in Germany and Switzerland during his career.

5. Ulrich von Appen (born 1938), a retired German diplomat who served as the Ambassador of Germany to China from 2004 to 2007, as well as to Japan and Russia.

Genealogical research on the last name Von-appen

The surname von Appen originates from Germany and is derived from various places named Appen or Apen. One of the earliest known records of this lineage dates back to the mid-13th century in Westphalia, where the family was knighted by the Bishop of Munster. Throughout history, the surname von Appen has been noted in various regions across Germany and the Netherlands. The family played significant roles in regional politics and society over the centuries, with many members serving as landowners, civil servants, and military leaders. Notable bearers include Johann Friedrich von Appen, a Prussian General Field Marshal during the 18th century, and Friedrich von Appen, a prominent German lawyer who served as president of the Higher Regional Court in Hamm. The surname's spelling may vary slightly across different regions and time periods, with alternatives such as van Appen and VonAppeln also being encountered.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "von-appen"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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