Surname Püttgen - Meaning and Origin

Püttgen: What does the surname Püttgen mean?

The last name Püttgen is believed to be a German name with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Its name derives from the German word “putz”, meaning “spruce” or “decorative”, and “gen”, meaning “make” or “do”. Thus, the literal translation of the name is “one who makes spruces up” or “takes care of” something.

The surname Püttgen is likely to have had multiple distinct meanings over time. In the past, Püttgen was likely to have been an occupational name, used to refer to a person who was a wreath maker or florist, someone who “putzes” or adorns things to make them look more attractive. In more recent times, it is likely to have come to mean a person who puts effort and care into whatever they do.

Today, as a surname, Püttgen can be found all over Germany. It is a common and widely recognized name. Although its exact origin remains uncertain, it is speculated that the surname Püttgen is derived from a Bavarian name, Putzko, with roots from the matronymic Putzo.

Though its exact origin is unknown, the last name Püttgen stands for and commemorates the legacy of creativity and care that has been passed down through many generations of Germans. It's a name that signifies dedication and spurs those who bear it to approach life with diligence and pride.

Püttgen: Where does the name Püttgen come from?

The last name Püttgen is prevalent today mainly in Central and West Germany. The surname is most common in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as the German capital Berlin. Records indicate that it is the tenth most common name in North Rhine-Westphalia. In other states, such as Hesse and Baden-Württemberg, the name Püttgen has also been documented.

The origin of the name Püttgen is likely related to historical events, most likely stemming from the Middle Ages. The region of the modern-day states North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate was part of the Roman Empire, so the name is likely of Latin origin. The name is also associated with the city of Püttgen which lies in the city of Düren, North Rhine-Westphalia. This city has a long history, having been first mentioned in 841 AD.

The last name Püttgen is often hyphenated as Püttgen-Dötsch or Püttgen-Weidenhof. It is one of the few names in Germany to have two adjectives. This implies that the family originates from two distinct geographic locations.

The Püttgen family is thought to have originated from central or western Germany. Despite its scattered prevalence across different regions, the adoption of the surname Püttgen is relatively limited, suggesting that it is a relatively small family.

Variations of the surname Püttgen

The surname Püttgen is of German or Dutch origin, and has variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin originating from different roots and branches. The most common variants of the surname are Putten, Puttena, Puttenberger, Puttenhofen and Putte.

The Dutch version, Putten, is derived from the place name Putten, and indicates a person who was born, raised or resided in Putten. Puttena is a spelling variation of Putten and is associated with a geographic origin. Puttenberger is derived from Putten and originally indicated someone from a hilly region. Puttenhofen is a combination of the Dutch elements “putten” and “hofen”, and referred to someone who lived near a walled in farmstead or castle. Putte is derived from Putten and primarily refers to a geographic origin.

Other variations include Putter, Putterer, Puttermann, Püté, Pütgen, Püttmann, and Pütten. Putter is derived from Putten and indicates an inhabitant of a place, while Putterer refers to a dweller from a place. Puttermann is a diminutive of Putter, indicating that the original bearer was small in stature. Püté is a diminutive form of Püttgen, meaning “little Püttgen”. Püttmann refers to someone living in Putten and Pütten is a variant of Putten.

Overall, variations of the surname Püttgen carry regionalistic meaning, originating from different branches and roots.

Famous people with the name Püttgen

• Judith Püttgen: German politician who is a member of Alliance for Germany and North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Lena Püttgen: professional German swimmer who won gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
• Andreas Püttgen: German art historian and gallerist, known for his works on classic modernism and German expressionism.
• Johannes J. Püttgen: German ambassador to Tajikistan from 2004 to 2007.
• Kai Püttgen: German politician and historian who is a member of the Christian Democratic Union party.
• Konrad Püttgen: German writer and poet who is the author of several books.
• Brigitte Püttgen: German politician and author who is the former Minister of Justice of North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Yvonne Püttgen: German actress and voice actress who has appeared in several films.
• Maria Püttgen: German alpine skier who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
• Klaus J. Püttgen: German orchestral and choral conductor and composer.

Other surnames

PüttgensPüttger