Surname Hagen - Meaning and Origin

Discovering Heirlooms of Heritage: The iGENEA DNA Test and the Journey of the Hagens

The iGENEA DNA test provided a detailed analysis on the heritage of the surname 'Hagen' from its German-Nordic origins to modern times. The discovery of belonging to the Haplogroup R1b sparked excitement – linking the lineage to early European settlers and facilitating fascinating interactions within a new-found community.

L. Hagen

Hagen: What does the surname Hagen mean?

The surname Hagen has its roots in Northern Germany and is derived from the given name Hagan, which means "enclosure" or "sanctuary" in Old High German. The name was often given to a farmer or someone who lived in an enclosed or protected area. Over time, the given name became a hereditary surname in different regions and various spellings, including Hagen, Hagan, and Hagenes among others. Furthermore, some geographic locations in Northern Germany also bear this name, so it might also be a toponymic surname referring to a person who hailed from any of these places. However, as with many surnames, there could be other less known origins as well. It's always essential to trace back your individual genealogical history to have a more accurate understanding of your family name's origin.

Hagen: Where does the name Hagen come from?

The surname Hagen is of German origins, derived from the Middle High German word "hag," meaning "hedge" or "enclosed pasture." Thus, it was commonly given to those who lived by a farm, or an enclosed space in medieval times. It is also associated with the Norse name "Håkon" which means “High Son.” This surname spread across regions through migration, spurred by varied reasons such as trade or political unrest.

Today, Hagen is relatively widespread. It is predominant in Germany, Norway, and Denmark, and to an extent in the United States, England, and Australia. In Norway, Hagen is also a given male name. The variation in spelling and usage patterns in different regions may be attributed to changes in language and culture, along with inaccuracies in translation and transcription over time.

Variations of the surname Hagen

The surname Hagen originates from Germanic and Scandinavian cultures and has various spellings and variants based on region, dialect, and cultural adaptations. Some of the alternate spellings and variants include Hagan, Hågen, Hagenes, Haggen, Haggi, Hegan, Hagene, Haugen, Hoogen, Hoggen, O'Hagan, and Von Hagen.

In the Irish context, the surname Hagen is often a variant of the Gaelic Ó hÁgáin, which means ‘descendant of Ógán’. Therefore, the Irish variants O'Hagan, O'Hogain, and Hagan are popular.

In Norway, equivalent surnames like Haugen (meaning hill or mound) and Hagenes (Hagen's) are commonly used.

For Dutch and Flemish versions, Van den Hagen or Van der Hagen might be found. Von Hagen is a common form in Germany, especially among nobility.

Note that these varying forms of the surname Hagen might be found around the world due to migration and anglicisation. Modern variations in spelling can even include simplifications such as Hagen. Despite the variations, all the forms reference the same original surname and share a common heritage.

Famous people with the name Hagen

• Uta Hagen: A highly acclaimed German-American actress and theatre practitioner. She won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play twice.
• Nina Hagen: A German singer and songwriter known for her theatrical vocals and often considered the "Mother of Punk."
• Cosma Shiva Hagen: A German actress and daughter of Nina Hagen, she has appeared in numerous films including "Speed Racer."
• Kevin Hagen: An American actor best known for his role as Dr. Hiram Baker on the TV show "Little House on the Prairie."
• Jean Hagen: An American actress who received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in "Singin' in the Rain."
• Gottfried Hagen: A 13th century German historian and poet, recognized for his chronicles of the city of Cologne.
• Earl Hagen: An American composer who wrote the theme music for numerous popular TV shows, including "The Andy Griffith Show" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
• Richard Hagen: British art dealer and presenter of the BBC art programme "The Antiques Roadshow."
• Kenneth Hagen: An American author and Pentecostal "faith healing" preacher.
• Julie Hagen: Well-known Australian actress who has performed on stage, in film, and on TV.

Other surnames

HageHagedornHägedornHageeHägelHägeleHägeleinHägelenHagelgansHagelganßHagelganzHägeliHagellochHagelmanHagelochHagelsteenHagemaierHagemanHagemannHagemansHagemayerHagemeierHagemeisterHagemeyerHagemüllerHagenackerHagenahHagenbrockHagenbruchHagenbruck