Last Name Ziegenhagen

The surname Ziegenhagen is of German origin. It is a locational name from any of several places called Ziegenhagen, mainly in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, and Brandenburg regions of Germany. The name derives from "Ziege" meaning goat and "Hagen" meaning enclosure or clearing, therefore, the name translates to 'Goat Enclosure'. People living near such a place would often take their occupation as their surname, thereby this name originated.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ziegenhagen

The meaning and origin of the last name Ziegenhagen

The surname Ziegenhagen is of German origin and is derived from a place name or an occupational name. The term "Ziegenhagen" translates to "Goat's Enclosure" in English, indicating that the original bearer either lived near such an enclosure or was associated with the rearing of goats. As a place name, it is found in several regions of Germany, notably in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg, where many families with this surname still reside today. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen, such as Zeigenhagen, Ziegenhahn, and Ziegenhain, due to changes in transcription methods or regional dialects. The migration of German settlers throughout Europe and the Americas during the Middle Ages and beyond led to the dispersal of families bearing this surname across continents, with the name being found today among populations in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ziegenhagen

The surname Ziegenhagen has a predominant presence in Germany, where it is most frequently found in the northern states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, as well as in Lower Saxony. It also appears sporadically in other parts of Germany, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Thuringia. The distribution of the name outside of Germany is relatively small but notable, with significant concentrations in the United States (particularly in the Midwest and Northeast regions), Denmark (where it is often spelled Zegholdt or Ziegeldt), Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Historically, the migration of individuals bearing the name Ziegenhagen was often due to religious or economic reasons, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ziegenhagen

The surname Ziegenhagen has several variations and spellings, including Zeigenhagen, Siegenhagen, and Ziegahn. These variations arise from differences in German spelling conventions, regional dialects, or individual family preferences. Another variant is Ziegenhein, which can also be found as Ziegenheyn or Ziegenheyne. In some cases, the surname might be hyphenated, such as Sieg-en-hagen. The original German name likely translates to "Goat's Valley" or "Goats' Home," reflecting the geographical or agricultural background of the family who first bore this surname.

Famous people with the last name Ziegenhagen

Notable individuals with the surname Ziegenhagen include:

1. Frederick William Ziegenhagen (1829-1913): An American zoologist, physician, and educator, he was one of the founders of the National Museum in Washington D.C., where he served as its first director from 1867 to 1871.

2. Adolphus Greely (originally Ziegenhagen, changed his name to avoid anti-German sentiment) (1838-1905): An American Army officer and polar explorer, he is known for leading the ill-fated Lady Franklin Bay expedition in 1881.

3. Karl Friedrich Ziegahn or Carl Friedrich Ziegenhagen (1764-1829): A German naturalist and botanist who worked as a professor of botany at Halle, where he focused on the flora of Saxony-Anhalt. His work was influential in establishing the region's plant collections.

4. Thomas Ziegenhagen (born 1962): A German professional footballer and manager, he played for clubs like VfB Lübeck, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Kaiserslautern during his career. After retiring from playing, he managed several clubs, including FSV Mainz 05, Eintracht Frankfurt II, and the German under-21 national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Ziegenhagen

The surname Ziegenhagen is of German origin, specifically from the region of Mecklenburg, where it was primarily found among farming families. The name derives from the Middle High German "zige" (goat) and "hagen" (enclosure), meaning "goat enclosure." One of the earliest recorded instances of this surname is in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, where a certain Henning Ziegenhagen was documented in 1560. Throughout the centuries, various branches of the family migrated to different parts of Europe and later North America. The most significant migration occurred during the 18th and 19th centuries when many Ziegenhagens settled in Denmark and Scandinavia due to religious and economic reasons. In the 19th century, some members of the family immigrated to the United States, primarily to states such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Today, the Ziegenhagen lineage can be traced back several generations and is found in various countries worldwide, with a significant presence in Germany, Denmark, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ziegenhagen"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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