Last Name Von-buren

The surname "von Buren" is of German origin. The word "von" is a prefix that indicates noble status and is common in many German surnames. The term "Buren" comes from an Old High German word "buaro," meaning "farmhand" or "servant." Therefore, the name von Buren could have originally been given to someone who was a servant of a noble family. Over time, as feudal systems evolved and societal norms changed, this surname became associated with members of the noble class themselves.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Von-buren

The surname Von Buren is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Burin" or "Burgin," which means "fortress." Over time, the name has been latinized to "de Burgio" or "de Burgo," reflecting the influence of Latin in medieval Europe. In some cases, it might have been anglicized to "Von Buren," with "Von" being a German prefix meaning "of" or "from." This surname would have originally been given to someone who either lived near a fortress or was associated with one. The use of the prefix "von" suggests that this family may have held some sort of noble status or land tenure connected to a particular fortress.

Geographical distribution of the last name Von-buren

The surname Von Buren is predominantly found in Germany and other German-speaking regions such as Austria and Switzerland. Historically, it originated from the Rhineland region, specifically in the Duchy of Berg and County of Mark, indicating a connection to nobility or feudal lords. Over time, its distribution expanded with migration waves, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when many Germans immigrated to North America, primarily to the United States and Canada. In recent times, Von Buren can also be found in other countries where German immigrants have settled, such as Argentina and Brazil. However, it is important to note that surnames can vary in spelling due to differences in transcription and translation practices over time and across borders, leading to variations such as Von Borst, Von Burren, and Van Buren.

Variants and spellings of the last name Von-buren

The surname Von Buren has several variations and alternate spellings. The most common variants include: Van Buren, Van Bourn, Van Borne, Van Bournen, Vanbourn, Vanborre, VanBoren, Van Boorn, VanBourn, and Van Bourne-Von Buren. These variations may arise due to differences in transliteration from various languages, regional dialects, or simple spelling errors over time. It's also worth noting that some families might have added a 'von' prefix to their name, which is a German title indicating noble birth, although it doesn't necessarily indicate any particular connection to the historic Van Buren family of the United States. However, it's essential to remember that researching one's genealogy may require examining various historical records and consulting with professionals to accurately trace ancestry and confirm connections among these variant surnames.

Famous people with the last name Von-buren

The Von Buren family has produced several notable figures throughout history, particularly in the realm of arts and politics. One of the most renowned is Hermann Otto Freiherr von Buren (1827-1906), a German writer and politician who served as the Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein. In the United States, Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973) is well-known as an heiress, philanthropist, and socialite. She was the daughter of Cocoate Puff creator Charles William Post and inherited her fortune from the General Foods Corporation. In the world of art, Emil Carl Von Buren (1856-1932) was a Danish-American painter who specialized in impressionistic landscapes, still lifes, and genre scenes. His work is represented in numerous museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art.

Genealogical research on the last name Von-buren

The surname Von Buren originates from Germany and is derived from the Old Norse "Björn", meaning bear, and the Old German suffix "-in" or "-ingen", meaning descendant or inhabitant of. The name was likely brought to Germany by Viking settlers in the Middle Ages. Throughout history, several notable individuals bearing the name Von Buren have emerged. One of them is Hermann von Buren (1740-1819), a Prussian general and military reformer who played an essential role in the Seven Years' War. In the United States, a prominent family with the surname Von Buren includes the descendants of Christopher Adolphus Frederik Louis Von Buren, who immigrated to New York in 1846. The name continues to be present worldwide and has various spellings, such as von Buirren, von Beuren, and Vonbuhren, reflecting the variations that can occur during migration and transcription over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "von-buren"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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