Surname Korn - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
iGENEA DNA Analysis: Unraveling the Historic Odyssey of the Korn Surname
Embarking on a journey of discovering my ancestral roots, I opted for a DNA analysis at iGENEA focusing on my family name Korn. The results unveiled a fascinating account of our origins and migrations from Central and Eastern Europe. The DNA test not only offered a broader understanding but connected me more profoundly with my roots, transforming a mere surname into an emblem of historical resilience and adaptability.
E. Korn
read moreKorn: What does the surname Korn mean?
The surname Korn is of German origin and is a topographic surname for someone who lived near a grain field or a metonymic occupational name for a grower or dealer in grain. Thus, Korn essentially means “grain” in German. It is widely popular in Germany and among people of German descent. Being a metonymic surname, it is possible that this surname was originally given to individuals involved in farming and cultivation of grains, indicating the primary economic activity of individuals named Korn historically. Over time, surnames that started as job descriptions became family names and were passed down through generations. Like many other surnames, the distribution and prevalence of Korn as a last name have expanded globally due to migration, making it a part of various cultures and communities around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisKorn: Where does the name Korn come from?
The surname Korn is of German origin and is derived from a nickname for a grain merchant or perhaps a grower of grain. In some cases, it may also have been used as a metonymic occupational name for a miller. The word "Korn" in German translates to "grain" or "corn." It could also be derived from the Jewish (Ashkenazic) ornamental name derived from German 'Korn’ meaning ‘grain’ or Yiddish ‘korn’ meaning ‘peppercorn.’
Today, the name is most common in Germany, the United States, and across several countries in Europe, albeit in varying forms. Several variants of the surname have also spread in various regions such as Kornberg, Kornbluth, Kornfeld, and Kornblau. Additionally, some Ashkenazic Jews who migrated to the United States adopted the surname Korn, contributing to its prevalence in areas with significant Jewish populations. With the evolution of how names are spelled, variants such as Corn have also emerged, particularly among English speakers. Thus, while the name originated in Germany, patterns of migration and name changes have made it common in numerous locations around the globe.
Variations of the surname Korn
The surname Korn is of German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin, primarily associated with the occupation of a grain dealer or farmer. It can also be a metonymic occupational name for someone who used or made a small hand mill. Variations of Korn include: Korner, Koerner, Korne, Corn, Korin, Korr, Kornmann, Kornberg, Kornblum, and Kornblatt.
It may also be an Americanized form of similar surnames from other European languages. For example, it could be a variant of the Dutch surname, "Koren", or the Polish and Czech surname, "Korna". In Jewish families, it could be an Anglicised form of various similar-sounding Jewish surnames, like "Kornblum" or "Kornberg".
Spelling variations were incredibly common in the medieval times due to the lack of standardized rules for spelling. Scribes and monks would write a name as it was pronounced, resulting in single person's name being spelled several different ways throughout their lifetime; Korn is no exception, with other possible spellings like Corn, Korin, Korr, and other phonetically similar versions.
In addition, surnames encompassing professions, personal characteristics, or geographic features were also subjected to significant transformation or local adaptation over centuries, leading to further variations of the surname Korn.
Famous people with the name Korn
- Jonathan Davis: The lead vocalist and frontman of the nu metal band Korn.
- Reginald Arvizu: Known as "Fieldy," he is the bass guitarist for Korn.
- James Shaffer: Also known as "Munky," he is the band's rhythm/lead guitarist.
- Brian Welch: Known as "Head," he was the band's lead guitarist and a founding member. He left the band but rejoined in 2013.
- David Silveria: The band’s original drummer who left in 2006.
- Jasmin Korn: A German actress known for "NOK" (2006).
- Raymond Luzier: The current drummer for Korn, joining officially in 2009.
- Luke Korn: An Australian Rules footballer.