NomOrigine Background

Last Name Zahn

What is the origin of the last name Zahn?

The last name "Zahn" has origins in both German and Ashkenazi Jewish communities. In German, "Zahn" means "tooth," and it is derived from the Middle High German word "zan." It could have been a nickname for someone with interesting or prominent teeth or a metonymic occupational name for a dentist or a person who worked with teeth. In Ashkenazi Jewish communities, the surname "Zahn" can be a variant of the Hebrew name "Zanvil" or "Zanvilowitz," itself derived from the Yiddish name "Zanvel." These Jewish names are often associated with the Hebrew name "Simcha," meaning "joy," and were given to people with happy or cheerful dispositions. It is important to note that surnames have varied origins and meanings, and individuals with the last name "Zahn" may have different ancestral backgrounds and regional variations.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Zahn

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zahn

The meaning and origin of the last name Zahn

The surname Zahn is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "zan," which means "tooth." It is a metonymic occupational surname, given to individuals who were tooth pullers or dentists. In medieval times, dentistry was often performed by barbers or physicians, and individuals with the name Zahn may have held such professions. Over time, as surnames became hereditary, Zahn became a family name within German-speaking regions.

The association of the name Zahn with teeth is not limited to the profession of dentistry. It can also be attributed to physical attributes or characteristics associated with teeth, such as people with prominent or notable teeth, or even individuals with tooth-related superstitions, beliefs, or legends in their family history. Variations of the surname Zahn can be found throughout different German-speaking countries, including Austria and Switzerland. As families migrated, the name may have undergone alterations or adaptations in spelling, producing variations such as Zahner or Zann. Today, the surname Zahn is still prevalent in German-speaking regions and can be found among descendants of individuals who held tooth-related professions centuries ago.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zahn

The last name Zahn is primarily of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "zan," meaning "tooth." As such, it is not surprising that the majority of individuals with the last name Zahn can be found in Germany, particularly in regions such as Bavaria, Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg. These areas have historically been home to large populations of people with German ancestry. In addition to Germany, the name Zahn can also be seen in other countries with significant German immigrant populations, including the United States, Canada, and Argentina. So, it is not uncommon to find individuals with the last name Zahn in cities such as New York, Chicago, or Buenos Aires. While the surname Zahn may not be as widespread as some other German last names, its geographical distribution is closely tied to areas with a strong German heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zahn

The last name Zahn has several variations and spellings when tracing its origins and branches. One possible variation is Zan, with the removal of the "h" at the end. Another alternative is Zahne, adding an "e" to the end, creating a slightly different pronunciation. Additionally, Zanah and Zann might be used as alternative spellings, providing different phonetic nuances to the name. Depending on regional differences or spellings introduced during immigration, Zahn could also be spelled Zahne, Zaun, or Zane. It is worth noting that variations in spelling can occur due to pronunciation differences, clerical errors, or personal preferences. As with many surnames, the variations and spellings of Zahn are influenced by historical and cultural factors, making it important to consider the context and genealogy when encountering different renditions of the name.

Famous people with the last name Zahn

I can provide you with information about some famous individuals with the last name Zahn. Dweezil Zappa, son of legendary musician Frank Zappa, is a notable American guitarist and actor. Dweezil has gained recognition for his own music career, as well as performing his father's music. Steve Zahn, an accomplished American actor, has appeared in numerous films and television shows. He has starred in popular movies, including "That Thing You Do!" and "Saving Silverman," earning critical acclaim for his versatile performances. Another notable figure is Timothy Zahn, an American author renowned for his science fiction novels. Timothy Zahn has scribed several Star Wars Expanded Universe books, particularly the "Thrawn Trilogy," which reintroduced the popular character Grand Admiral Thrawn. These individuals, each with their unique contributions to their respective fields, have brought the name Zahn into the spotlight.

Genealogical research on the last name Zahn

The surname Zahn is of German origin and is believed to have derived from the Middle High German word "zant," meaning "tooth." It is primarily an occupational surname, given to individuals who were associated with dental work. Another possibility is that it originated as a nickname for someone with prominent or unusually shaped teeth. The Zahn family can be traced back to the medieval period, specifically to regions in present-day Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Over time, descendants of the Zahn family migrated to various parts of the world, including North America, South America, and Australia. Today, individuals with the surname Zahn can be found in diverse professions and walks of life, carrying on their ancestral name while contributing to the global tapestry of society and culture.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Zahab (Last name)

surnames > zahab

The last name "Zahab" is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the word for "gold" in Hebrew. It is likely an occupational surname for a goldsmith or someone who works with gold.

Zahabali (Last name)

surnames > zahabali

The last name "Zahabali" is of Persian origin. It is derived from the Persian words "zahab" meaning "gold" and "ali" meaning "noble" or "exalted." Therefore, the last name "Zahabal...

Zahaf (Last name)

surnames > zahaf

The last name Zahaf is of Arabic origin. It likely originates from the Middle East, specifically from countries such as Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia where Arabic is the predominant...

Zahaila (Last name)

surnames > zahaila

The last name Zahaila is of Arabic origin. It is likely derived from the Arabic word "zuhayr," which means "flower" or "blossom."

Zahara kemal (Last name)

surnames > zahara-kemal

The last name Zahara Kemal is of Arabic and Turkish origin. "Zahara" means "blossom" or "flower" in Arabic, while "Kemal" is a Turkish name meaning "perfect" or "excellence".

Zaharia (Last name)

surnames > zaharia

The last name "Zaharia" has a Romanian origin. It is derived from the given name Zaharia, which is the Romanian form of the biblical name Zechariah. Zechariah is a Hebrew name mean...

Zaharie (Last name)

surnames > zaharie

The surname Zaharie is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe. It derives from the male given name Zahar, which means "honey" in several Slavic languages. This name was...

Zaharul hauq (Last name)

surnames > zaharul-hauq

The last name "Zaharul Hauq" appears to be of Arabic origin. "Zaharul" is a common Arabic name meaning "flower" or "blossom," while "Hauq" could potentially be a variation of the A...

Zahayngir (Last name)

surnames > zahayngir

The last name "Zahayngir" originates from Kazakhstan. It is of Kazakh origin, stemming from the Kazakh language and culture.

Zahbi (Last name)

surnames > zahbi

The last name "Zahbi" is of Arabic origin. It is a surname commonly found in countries with Arabic-speaking populations.

Zahda (Last name)

surnames > zahda

The last name "Zahda" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "zahd", which means asceticism or self-denial. It is possible that the surname was given to someone wh...

Zahed alam (Last name)

surnames > zahed-alam

The last name "Zahed Alam" is of Arabic origin. "Zahed" means ascetic or devout in Arabic, while "Alam" means world or universe. Together, the name likely signifies someone who is ...

Zahed laver (Last name)

surnames > zahed-laver

The last name "Zahed Laver" could possibly have origins in Persian or Middle Eastern countries. It is a combination of two separate names, "Zahed" and "Laver", which could have spe...

Zahedi (Last name)

surnames > zahedi

The surname Zahedi is of Persian (Iranian) origin. It is derived from the Persian word "zaheh," which means "light" or "radiance." This surname may have been given to someone who w...

Zahedi fard (Last name)

surnames > zahedi-fard

The last name "Zahedi Fard" is of Persian origin. "Zahedi" is a common Persian surname that means "descendant of Zahed" or "devout" in Persian. "Fard" is also a Persian surname tha...