Surname von Kathen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'V'
von Kathen: What does the surname von Kathen mean?
The last name von Kathen is a noble German surname originating from the Celts, dating as far back as the 16th century.
In Germany, 'von' is an aristocratic honorific that denotes nobility, once used only by members of the nobility, but now used increasingly as an indicator of German patriality. It was generally inherited through father-to-son lineage meaning that the bearer of the surname had achieved or inherited a certain status.
The von Kathen family likely originally lived in an area known as Kathen, which was a small estate in Westfalen, Germany. The surname could also refer to someone who originated from Kathen or Kathenberg, which is a small village located in the municipality of Bierl in the south of Germany.
Von Kathen families are known for their resilience and valour, having made notable contributions to Germany's military, arts and science. The family is known to be associated with renowned political and military figures such as Alexander von Kathen, who led the German army through the Second Battle of Tannenberg in 1914 and fought in the First World War.
The von Kathen family is part of the proud German heritage, boasting a centuries old history of nobility and ancestry. As the years go by, the name continues to persist as a testament to the strength and integrity of past generations.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Kathen: Where does the name von Kathen come from?
The last name von Kathen is a German noble family originating from the Kingdom of Prussia. Today, descendants of the von Kathen family can be found throughout Germany, typically in areas along the Rhine River Valley in the former Rhineland. As is common among the Prussian nobility, many of these descendants live in various cities and villages in the region, including the likes of Coblenz, Mainz and Cologne. Elsewhere in Europe, the von Kathen family name is also found in certain areas of Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
In addition, some of the von Kathen family have migrated to the United States over the course of the last century, with many coming to escape the wars and oppressive post-WWII governments that prevailing in Central and Eastern Europe in the late 20th century. The von Kather family has found representation in all parts of the United States, from the Midwest to the West Coast.
Today, von Kather descendants across the world continue to carry on the essence of the Prussian noble family, likely taking pride in their heritage and distinguished contributions. In this regard, the von Kather family is a living testament to Prussian history and legacy, not to mention the cultural contributions made by Europe in general.
Variations of the surname von Kathen
The surname von Kathen has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of von Kathen is Kathen, with alternative spellings such as von Kathan, von Kaethan and von Kithan. Additionally, the surname is sometimes spelled as Kathe, Kathan, Kaethan and Kithan.
Other surnames of the same origin as von Kathen include: Kattenhorn, Katthon, Kätterhove, Katterhagen, Kattenberg, Kattainen, Kathenke and Käthein. Additionally, some variants of the same surname include: Kettenhöfer, Kattenhofen, Cathen, Catheen, Cadhen, Catthen, Cathin and Cathing.
Variants of the surname can also be found in other languages, such as French (Katherin) and German (Katchheinz, Katherin, Ketchen, Kätchens and Ketschenbach). Other variants further include: Kethhen, Kolan, Kothin, Kothum, Kotthen, Kothein and Kothhein.
In some cases, the surname is further changed to surnames with similar soundings and spellings, such as: vander Keiten, Kitteng, Kittenger, Kiddin, Kidden and Kidding. The Irish variant of the surname is Caden, while the Scottish variant is Cadon. Additionally, other Scandinavian variants of von Kathen include: Katten, Kattil and Kaathen.
Famous people with the name von Kathen
- Prince Constantin von Kathen-Cordula: German artist and historian.
- Princess Irmgard von Kathen-Cordula: German princess and childhood friend of Princess Diana.
- Baroness Emmy von Kathen-Sutthoff: German noblewoman and writer.
- Countess Fabiola von Kathen-Hackenburg: German philanthropist and supporter of the arts.
- Baron Heinz von Kathen-Friedberg: German Lutheran theologian and outdoorsman.
- Baron Max von Kathen-Bechstein: German author and diplomat.
- Baroness Felicitas von Kathen-Marx: German Baronesse and companion to Queen Victoria.
- Baron Philipp von Kathen-Hohenzollern: German nobleman and private banker.
- Baron Rudolph von Kathen-Plessen: German nobleman and( General of the Imperial Prussian army.
- Baroness Dorothea von Kathen-Rüdersheim: German noblewoman and descendant of German Emperor William I.