Surname Span - Meaning and Origin
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Span: What does the surname Span mean?
The last name Span is of Dutch origin, dating back as far as the 16th century. It most likely derives from the word ‘span’, an old Dutch word meaning ‘to bridge’ or ‘to join’. The name was likely given to someone who bridged a path or formed some sort of alliance, signifying their ability to join and connect with others.
The Span surname has spread across many countries over the years. It has been found in Belgium, England, Germany, and even the United States, to name a few. Span is the most common spelling variation, but the name also appears as Spaan, Spann, and Spaanze.
Span is most likely a habitational name, meaning it originates from a region, town, or village where people with the same last name would often be found. An example of this is den Span, a village in the Dutch province of Gelderland.
The Span surname is associated with many notable people throughout history. These include German author August Span, Dutch swimmer Carla Span, Spanish artist Juan Span, and Dutch film director Paul Spann among others.
There are many variations on the Span surname, but regardless of the spelling, it can be traced back to the Dutch word ‘span’, meaning to bridge, creating a connection between families and communities. It is a reminder of the ability of individuals to build relationships, no matter where they are from.
Order DNA origin analysisSpan: Where does the name Span come from?
The last name Span is most often seen today among people in the United States. Span is thought to be an Americanization of a German last name, but it is also common among Ashkenazi Jews, many of whom emigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe. It appears that the most common place where people with the last name Span are living today is the United States.
In the United States, it can be found in all states, but is especially common in major population centers. According to data from the 2000 US Census Bureau, the most populous states with people bearing the last name Span are California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Illinois. The states of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Michigan also have a higher than average concentration of people with this last name.
It seems that residents of these states with the last name Span are likely descendants from people who first immigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While there is not a clear set of records detailing the exact origin of the last name Span, it is believed that it was adopted in the United States as a result of various waves of immigration from Europe.
It is safe to say that the last name Span is alive and well in the United States. People with this last name can still be found in most states with the most concentration being in the states of California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Illinois.
Variations of the surname Span
The surname Span is of German and Dutch origin and derives from the German word ‘span’, which means ‘bridge’.
Variants of the surname Span include Spaan, Spaen, Spean, Spahm, Spahn and Spanner.
In Germany, the surname Span is sometimes spelled as Spahn, while in the Netherlands it is often spelled as Spanner.
Surnames with similar origins to Span include Spann, Spannagel, Spannuth, Spannhoff, Spannring, Spannageler and Spannreuther.
The English spelling of Span is usually Spen, Spann or Spanne. It is also sometimes spelled as Spann or Spanner in the United States.
The Spanish spelling of Span is Espan. This variant is commonly found in Spain and Latin America.
The Italian spelling of Span is Spagnolo. This variant is usually found in Italy, Malta and Sicily.
The Polish spelling of Span is Spaan. This variant is mainly found in Poland, Russia and Ukraine.
In India, the surname Span is sometimes spelled as Sappan. This is a common variant for those of Indian descent with the surname Span.
In Scotland, the surname Span is often spelled as Spans or Spence. These variants are mainly found amongst those of Scottish descent.
The Scandinavian spelling of Span is Spen. This variant is usually found in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Famous people with the name Span
- Wayne Span: professional snowboarder
- Princess Sofia of Sweden: member of the Swedish royal family
- Charles Span: American Professional Footballer
- Jack Span: Major General in the United States Army
- Robert Span: former professional American basketball player
- Ben Span: retired baseball player
- Erika Span: famous German actress
- Sasha Span: Russian professional boxer
- Felix Span: painter from Germany
- Dina Span: Israeli Olympic athlete