Surname Alben - Meaning and Origin
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Alben: What does the surname Alben mean?
The last name Alben is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is an English variant of the Olde English pre 7th Century personal name Aelfwine. The surname itself derived from 'aelf', which means elf, and 'wine', which means friend. The surname is also thought to have been derived from the Olde English 'aepel' meaning apple, and was used as a nickname for someone of a ruddy or rosy complexion.
In the modern context, the surname Alben is unique but not particularly uncommon. The surname is most often encountered in northern England, particularly in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, though it can also be found throughout Europe. It is not generally considered to have a specific meaning, but is rather a combination of the old Anglo-Saxon elements.
Alben is not associated with any particular profession or major historical figures, although individuals called Alben can be found throughout recorded history. The earliest recorded individual of this surname was an Aelfwinus, living in Yorkshire in 1219. While there is no longer a particular meaning associated with the surname, it has been a part of the English language for centuries, and its original roots can still be recognized.
Order DNA origin analysisAlben: Where does the name Alben come from?
The last name Alben is most commonly found in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Sweden. It may be of English, Scandinavian, or German origin, derived from a number of different sources. The Alben name may have originated from the Old Norse personal name Alfr or the Old Germanic name Albinus. It is also possible that Alben is a variant of the Scottish surname Albin.
In Norway, the Alben surname is associated with several counties, including Vestfold, Akershus, and Rogaland. Within those counties, the Alben surname is found in the municipalities of Son, Jevnaker, Hokksund, Vestfossen, and Tonsberg.
In Sweden, the Alben surname is most common in the south, particularly in the counties of Värmland, Västerbotten, Södermanland, and Halland.
Alben is also found in countries such as Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, and the United States. In the U.S., the Alben surname is most common in the states of New York, California, and Minnesota.
Due to its relative popularity, tracing the history and origin of the Alben surname is possible through records of births, marriages, and death. DNA testing may also be used to trace family lineage and ancestral roots.
Variations of the surname Alben
The surname Alben is an ancient one with several variants, spellings, and associated surnames.
Alben and its variants come from a German origin. They are all derived from the given name Albert, which is composed from the elements Adel, meaning “noble”, and Bert, meaning “bright” or “famous.”
The spelling variants of Alben include Albén, Elben, Elbén, and Albin.
Associated surnames of the same origin include Albenberg, Alba, and Albertson. Alven and Alvenberg are similar and originate from the same root.
Some possible forms of the surname are Aubert, Auberb, and Auberts. It could also be written as Allbo, Allboe, Allbone, Allbot, or Aphob.
Another German surname originating from the same name is Albrecht, which is a spelling associated with the states of Prussia, Silesia, and Saxony.
The name is also common in Belgium, Holland, and Scandinavia, with variants such as Albenius, Albinius, and Albinus.
In modern times, the surname Alben is still commonly found in the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking countries.
Famous people with the name Alben
- Max Alben: the former mayor of Portland, Oregon from 1989–1991.
- David Alben: an opera singer and assistant professor of voice at The University of Southern Mississippi.
- Danny Alben: a renowned sports broadcaster and journalist, who appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter for 14 years.
- Jacob Alben: a physicist and writer who is known for his work on fluid dynamics.
- Harvey Alben: the former President of Fox Broadcasting.
- Benjamin Alben: an American journalist who won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for his photos from the “ISIS War”
- Beth Alben: a former White House Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady.
- Mark Alben: an American composer, songwriter and musician, who composed for the television series Family Matters.
- Barry Alben: a noteworthy American organist who has performed at major concert halls in San Francisco, Tokyo and Moscow.
- William Alben: the Governor of Massachusetts from 1979 to 1983.