Surname Kathen - Meaning and Origin
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Kathen: What does the surname Kathen mean?
The surname Kathen is a German surname, with its roots likely coming from the Latin personal name Cathanus. Though the precise origin is unknown, the personal name was a popular choice for Christianization of non-religious names, and is thought to come from the Roman name Cattanus.
The surname Kathen is found mainly in Germany and is especially common across the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The literal meaning of the name itself is thought to be “man of the people” or “counselor of the people” as it comes from the Latin word “cathenati,” meaning “counseled” or “advised.” Kathens in medieval German culture were often regarded as wise members of the community who were able to give important advice.
The popularity of the surname Kathen has remained steady over time, and in Germany the Kathen family can trace its roots back to the mid-14th century. As of 2014, it was estimated that 11,814 people of the Kathen surname were living in Germany, making the surname moderately common in the region.
Overall, the surname Kathen is a Germanic surname upheld by a long line of history, and is connected to a proud and wise people.
Order DNA origin analysisKathen: Where does the name Kathen come from?
The last name Kathen is most commonly found in Germany and throughout the German-speaking regions of Europe. It is most prevalent in the region of Saxony, which is located in Eastern Germany. The top two states in Germany with the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Kathen are Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. The surname Kathen is also documented in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium.
In the United States, the Kathen name is not very common. However, there are some records indicating that the Kathen name originated in the U.S. following the migration of German and Dutch-speaking people during the 19th and 20th century. Currently the Kathen surname is found in small numbers in various states throughout the United States, including New York, Michigan, California, Minnesota, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
Despite never gaining widespread distribution in the United States, the Kathen last name is still alive and well in Germany and many other parts of Europe. It is an enduring name that has been carried through many generations and is still recognized within many Germanic families today.
Variations of the surname Kathen
The surname Kathen can have a few different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
One of the most common variants is Kathan. The Kathan spelling is typically found in East and South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
The spelling Katten is also found in some cases, and this variant is more commonly used in German-speaking countries.
The spelling Katon can also be found, and this variant is most frequently seen in Poland and Eastern Europe.
The surname Kathin is another variant, and this spelling is often seen in Finland and other parts of Northern Europe.
The surnames Keter and Cather can both be used as variants of Kathen. Keter is more commonly found in Hungary and the Czech Republic, while Cather is more often seen in the United States, Ireland, and other parts of the English-speaking world.
Other variants of Kathen include Kathin, Cathin, Catton, Katon, Katten, Kedron, Kathench, Cathen, Kathon, Kathenks, and Katzens. All of these variants vary in popularity and meaning, but they all share the same origin as Kathen.
In conclusion, the surname Kathen has a variety of different spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variants and spellings include Kathan, Katten, Katon, Kathin, Keter, and Cather. However, other lesser-known variants include Kathin, Cathin, Catton, Kathon, Kathench, Cathen, Kathenks, Kedron, and Katzens.
Famous people with the name Kathen
- Michael Kathen, German fashion designer.
- Barbara Kathen, German film director and screenwriter.
- Bruce Kathen, former professional tennis player from the United States.
- Werner Kathen, German psychiatrist and psychotherapist.
- Werner Kathen, German medical researcher.
- Christa Kathen, German politician and former Member of the Bundestag.
- David Kathen, American business executive.
- Oda Kathen, Estonian track and field athlete.
- Henry Kathen, American artist.
- Christoph Kathen, German professor of archaeology.