Surname Kastenbaum - Meaning and Origin

Kastenbaum: What does the surname Kastenbaum mean?

The last name Kastenbaum is of German origin and is likely derived from the German word “Kasten,” meaning box or chest. Therefore, the name Kastenbaum indicates someone descended from a family of box makers or one who works with boxes. This name is found primarily in the German-speaking regions of Europe and the United States, suggesting that the original Kastenbaums likely descended from German immigrants.

The name Kastenbaum is found in many documents from the 17th century, showing that families bearing this surname have likely been living in Germany since early in the country's history. Because such records show that the Kastenbaum name has persisted for centuries, it is likely the family profession of box-making has as well. Even today, some families continue to specialize in box making and other related forms of carpentry.

The Kastenbaums of today likely still have a connection to their ancestral roots, and perhaps the desire to stay connected to the crafts of their ancestors. Whether they are box makers or carpenters, people with the last name Kastenbaum likely understand the cultural significance of their name, and the knowledge that their families once helped shape the development of German culture.

Kastenbaum: Where does the name Kastenbaum come from?

The last name Kastenbaum is most prevalent today in the United States, Canada, and Israel. In the United States, it is especially common in Jewish and eastern European communities. It can be found in various spellings, such as Kastenbaum, Kastanbaum, Kasten, Kastenbaam, and Kastenbohm.

Tracing the family history of Kastenbaum, it is believed to have originated in Austria and Germany and to have spread across Europe and into the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Records of the name have been found as far back as the 17th century, making it an old family name.

In the United States, Kastenbaum can be found in many major cities, especially those with a significantly large Jewish population. In New York City, the Kastenbaum name is especially popular, with more than 1,000 households bearing the name. The largest concentration can be found in Brooklyn, where 450 households are recorded.

Kastenbaum is also relatively popular in Canada. According to the Canada 2011 Census, the name is listed in over 500 households across the country, with the largest concentrations in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

In Israel, the prevalence of Kastenbaum is similar to the United States, with the highest concentration in Jerusalem. The name is particularly common among Ashkenazi Jews, as evidenced by records of the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. There, the name is most commonly spelled (Kastenbaum).

Variations of the surname Kastenbaum

The surname Kastenbaum has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Kasenbaum, Kasnbaum, Kasteniberg, Kawsenbawm, Kase Carom, Kastenbauer, Kesslerbaum, Kastenberger, Kastenbohm, Kasenbaur, Kastenboom, Kassenbaum, Kastenberg, Kaystenbaum, Kestenbaum, and Kastenbauer.

The surname Kastenbaum is derived from the German word for 'chestnut tree' or 'oak tree'. This likely suggests that the original bearer of the surname had a connection to or was employed in the forestry business. It is also possible that the name originated from an area in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland with a significant population of chestnut trees.

The spelling of the surname Kastenbaum may have changed over time, as many similar names were written and pronounced differently depending on the region, language, and dialect of the time. As a result, many surnames with similar origins may appear to be completely different.

It is known that the surname Kastenbaum was recorded in various medieval documents in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The earliest record of the name dates back to 1436, when Peter Casenbawm was mentioned in the Rotwil district of Aargau in Switzerland. As well, the name Kastenbauer appears in a number of records in the 16th century in both the Palatinate region of Germany and in Austria.

No matter how its spelling or origin has changed over time, the surname Kastenbaum remains an important part of German, Austrian and Swiss history.

Famous people with the name Kastenbaum

• Robert Kastenbaum: Famous American psychologist specializing in death, dying, and bereavement.
• Alan Kastenbaum: American author, former aerospace executive, and committed Zionist.
• Ken Kastenbaum: American actor, writer, director, and producer best known for his work in the horror film genre.
• Leonard Kastenbaum: American attorney, author, and advisor to major retail institutions.
• Dr. Amie Kastenbaum: M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology Specialist.
• Dr. Robert Kastenbaum: Psychiatrist specializing in products liability cases and expert testimony.
• Dr. Stephanie Kastenbaum: MD, ABIM board-certified in interventional neuroradiology and vascular neurology.
• Irwin Kastenbaum: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Kastenbaum Corporation.
• Jeffrey Kastenbaum: Grammy award-winning composer, multi-instrumentalist, and film producer known for his work in animated films.
• Dr. Martin Kastenbaum: Founder and Program Director of the Kastenbaum Institute for Integrative Medicine.

Other surnames

Kastenbauer