Surname Kassen - Meaning and Origin
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Kassen: What does the surname Kassen mean?
The last name Kassen is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'Kasen' which means a money-box, chest or cupboard – a receptacle for storing valuables. The oldest recorded variation of the name appears in 1290, when on Easter Monday a man called Dietrich Kazzer was mentioned in the Census Records of the town of Tübingen.
The Kassen surname is not particularly common, with fewer than 2,000 individuals across the US and Europe. It is thought to be either occupational or locational in origin; an occupational name describing a maker of coffers or boxes, or a locational name describing someone who was from a town called Kassen in the district of Altenesch in Germany.
The Kassen family can trace their ancestry to the medieval country of Lower Saxony, which covered the north-western regions of modern-day Germany. This was an area of great economic success, particularly in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. As a result, any additional wealth was carefully guarded and kept together in purpose-made chests – the origins of the Kassen name.
Today, Kassen is used as both a surname and a given name, often as a tribute to the family’s heritage. Kassen reflects the proverb-like reputation of the Kassen family; ‘there is safety in money saved’. This motto still stands true in the modern world, and fits perfectly with the history of the Kassen name.
Order DNA origin analysisKassen: Where does the name Kassen come from?
The last name Kassen is found in many different parts of the world today. In Europe, it is especially common in Germany, where the name has been present for centuries. In fact, Kassen appeared in records as early as the 1300s. It is also found in other German-speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
In the United States, Kassen is encountered primarily among Americans of German ancestry. It is found in various parts of the country, although the highest density of population with the surname is in Pennsylvania. In 2000, for example, the U.S. census enumerated approximately 2,000 people with the surname in that state.
Elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere, Kassens are found mainly in Canada, particularly in Alberta. The name is also distributed throughout South America, where some individuals trace their origin to German settlers. Australia and New Zealand also house small numbers of Kassens.
The name is also found in the Middle East, with entries in Israel and Lebanon. In Israel, Kassen is common among families originating from Iraq and other parts of the former Ottoman Empire. It appears that descendants of Jewish immigrants from this region bear the name Kassen.
The last name Kassen is widespread, with a global network of people who can trace their heritage to a few medieval ancestors bearing the name. Today, it is encountered in many countries, which reflects the varying cultural influences that shaped European history over the centuries.
Variations of the surname Kassen
Kassen is a surname of Germanic origin meaning "box" or "cashier". It is most commonly seen in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the Netherlands and Belgium.
Variants of the Kassen surname include Kasse, Kase, Kas, Käse and Käser. It is spelled differently depending on the country it is found in, such as Kasse in Germany, Casse in France and Kase in the Netherlands.
In some cases, Kassen is seen as the German spelling of the English surname Cashin. The spelling of Cashin is derived from the Middle English cayshyn, ultimately from the Latin word casa meaning "house" or "home".
Kassen is also seen referenced in the Dutch family name Keessen, which is derived from the Dutch word kasse meaning "box" or "cashbox". Similarly, the surname Kassem or Kassemian is of Armenian origin, derived from the Armenian word kassem meaning "cash register".
The various spellings and surname variants of Kassen are important to understand as they can offer valuable insight when researching genealogy. Knowing the alternate spellings can help one build more of an accurate genealogical picture of their family and uncover new information about their ancestors.
Famous people with the name Kassen
- Dan Kassen, professional soccer player for Maccabi Haifa FC.
- Brock Kassen, American professional ice hockey player.
- Lior Kassen, award-winning director known for his work in television, film, commercials, and music videos.
- Chaim Kassen, German-born political activist.
- Rick Kassen, American television producer and director who won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
- Jeffry Kassen, baseball player for the Los Angeles Angels.
- Dena Kassen, best known for her work as a producer for such shows as The Smurfs, Transformers, and G.I. Joe.
- Marv Kassen, American comedian, author, producer, and director.
- Jonathan Kassen, actor best known for his roles in Amar, Daddy Daycare, and The Final Curtain.
- David Kassen, composer and producer best known for his work on films such as Threads of Destiny and Forever.