Surname Paulssen - Meaning and Origin

Paulssen: What does the surname Paulssen mean?

The surname Paulssen is of German origin. It is a patronymic name deriving from the personal name Paul, which means "small" or "humble" in Latin. The suffix "-sen" is commonly added to first names in Germany and the Netherlands to form a surname, indicating "son of". Therefore, Paulssen can be interpreted as "son of Paul". Surnames like these were originally used to distinguish between multiple individuals with the same name in small communities and indicated a person's lineage. Like many family names, it was likely passed down through generations since medieval times or even earlier. However, the specific history, region of origin, and whether the name has been altered over time can vary from one family carrying the name to another. As with any last name, without specific genealogical research it's hard to state definitive facts about all people with the Paulssen surname. Similarly, it's common for such names to spread throughout the world due to emigration and globalization.

Paulssen: Where does the name Paulssen come from?

The last name Paulssen is most commonly found in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark today. People with the Paulssen last name are typically of Dutch, German and Scandinavian descent.

In the Netherlands, the last name Paulssen is primarily concentrated in the provinces of North Holland and Utrecht. An area called Noordenveld, located in the Drenthe Province in northeastern Netherlands, is the most densely populated Paulssen region in the country.

In Germany, the majority of people with the last name Paulssen are found in the northern states, specifically in the Prussian provinces of East and West Prussia. The largest concentration of Paulssens are located near the cities of Berlin, Hamburg and Oldenburg.

In Denmark, people with the last name Paulssen are mostly concentrated in the region of Funen and the city of Copenhagen.

Today, there is also a small concentration of Paulssens in the United States, primarily in California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Massachusetts. It is believed that many of these Paulssens are descendants of Dutch colonists who migrated from the Old World to the New World during the 1600s.

Although the Paulssen last name is particularly common in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark today, it is still relatively widespread throughout the world. People with this last name can be found in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Paulssen

The variants, spellings and surnames stemming from the same origin for the surname Paulssen are Palsson, Paulson, Paulsen, Paulssen, Paullson, and Pauson. Each of these surnames originate from the Germanic ‘Paul’ that means ‘small’ or ‘humble’.

The popular form will be Paulsen, which is the more commonly found version. It is typically used in Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, as well as in most immigrant destinations such as the United States and Canada.

Palsson is also quite a popular form, especially in Sweden and locations of Scandinavian descent. It is a combination of the element ‘Paul’ and son, suggesting the ‘son of Paul’.

Paulson and Paullson are both variations of Paulsen and are often found mainly in the Scandinavian countries.

Paulssen may be seen in several regions and has origins in the Netherlands and Germany. It is sometimes seen as a slightly older version than the others.

Lastly, Pauson is a more modern form of the name and is used to describe individuals with a less Germanic background, likely stemming from Dutch or Nordic settlement in the United States.

Famous people with the name Paulssen

• John Paulssen: Norwegian professional athlete and Olympic downhill skier.
• Ulla Paulssen: Danish mixed-media artist renowned for her textile collages.
• Philip Paulssen: British physician and author of many books on medical research.
• Marcus Paulssen: German architect and industrial engineer, best known for modernizing city infrastructures.
• Édouard Paulssen: Belgian diplomat and long-time ambassador to France.
• Marta Paulssen: Spanish stage actress most recognized for her performance in the Teatro Halley adaptation of José Saramago's novel Blindness.
• Eva Paulssen: Estonian linguist and Esperanto speaker, leading member of the International Auxiliary Language Association.
• Petar Paulssen: Danish marine biologist and oceanographer, credited with discovering Territorial Waters Theory.
• Jakub Paulssen: Polish classical musician and cellist, performing with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Shai Paulssen: Israeli television news anchor and journalist, known for his interviews with powerful political figures.

Other surnames

Paulsson