Surname Hense - Meaning and Origin
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Hense: What does the surname Hense mean?
The last name Hense is of German origin and can be traced back to the medieval Middle High German word "hansa," meaning "one in charge," or possibly "commander." This surname is believed to have first been adopted by someone with authority or a position of leadership, such as a mayor or other local dignitary. Alternatively, it may have been used to refer to a leader of a particular trading guild or other kind of professional or mercantile organization.
The earliest known records of the name date back to the 14th century, with the surname appearing in various regions across Germany. During this era, the name was often used as a prefix or affix to indicate that the person they were referring to had a higher-ranking position or responsibility. It could also be given as an honorary title to those who had distinguished themselves, especially ones who had acted as a negotiator or peacemaker in special cases.
Since the Middle Ages, the name has been passed down in various forms and spellings across Europe and the United States. These include phrases such as Hencke, Henschke, and Hensepenne, although the core spelling of Hense remains the most common. Variations of the name are found in 45 states and several countries across the globe, ranging from America to Japan and China.
Today, the last name Hense evokes a sense of history and tradition for those who bear it—and with its origin story steeped in medieval German culture, it remains a respected and popular surname for many.
Order DNA origin analysisHense: Where does the name Hense come from?
The last name Hense is common in Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the 1800s, the surname was mainly found in the areas of modern-day Germany and Austria. It is believed to have been derived from the personal name "Hans" and may have been used as a patronymic designation for those descended from a Hans. It is also found in other Germanic speaking countries, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden.
In the United States, the last name Hense is primarily found in the Upper Midwestern states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas, as well as some areas of Iowa. The highest concentration is in Wisconsin, especially with the large German-American populations in the cities of Milwaukee and Madison. It is also becoming increasingly popular across other parts of the country, including the Northeast, South, and West Coast.
In the 21st century, Hense is among the top 1000 last names in the U.S., with more than 3900 people sharing the name. Internationally, it is estimated that there are over 25,000 people who bear this surname. It is a testament to the Scottish and Germanic heritage that so many people carry the name Hense to this day.
Variations of the surname Hense
The surname Hense is a German surname derived from the word “Henz,” meaning “house” or “shelter.” It can be spelled in several ways, including Hense, Henze, Hents, Hentsch, Hentz, Hentzsch, and Hatschu. The surname likely originated hundreds of years ago as an occupational surname for someone of shelter of people.
Variants of the Hense surname come from many different countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, Henze is the most common variant. In Austria, Hents and Hentsch are the most common variants. In Switzerland, Hentz is the most common variant.
The surname is also found in the United States, where it is spelled Hense, Henze, Hentz, or Hentze. The Hense spelling is the most common in America, but the other spellings are found in some areas as well.
The Hense surname is a common one around the world, and many people with this last name are descended from similar ancestors. Other related surnames include Henkel, Hentschel, Hench, Henchel, and Henninger. These last names have similar meanings and similar origins, so it is possible that individuals with any of these surnames are related.
Famous people with the name Hense
- Tim Hense: American actor who is most notable for his roles in the films Beginners (2011) and The Birth of a Nation (2016).
- Liz Hense: American actress and filmmaker, best known for her roles in the films The Girl from Park Avenue (2015) and Is That True? (2017).
- Carl Hense: German statesman who served as the last Imperial Chancellor of the German Empire in 1919.
- Martin Hense: German footballer who has played for clubs such as FC Energie Cottbus and 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
- Jens Hense: German mathematician and physicist who is best known for his contributions to the field of quantum optics.
- Peter Hense: German musician and composer who is best known for his classical piano compositions.
- Hans Hense: German architect who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, specializing in civic works and historical structures.
- Josef Hense: Austrian businessman and entrepreneur who founded the Hense Group, one of Austria's largest industrial companies.
- Markus Hense: German actor who is known for his work in films such as Lola Rennt (1998) and The Wave (2008).
- Christopher Hense: American actor and writer who is known for his roles in films such as End of the World (2004) and White Chicks (2004).