Surname Vossen - Meaning and Origin
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Vossen: What does the surname Vossen mean?
The surname Vossen is of Dutch and German origin, derived from the word 'vos', which means 'fox'. It is considered to be a patronymic surname, often used by those living in a region inhabited by foxes, or it may have been used to denote characteristics associated with a fox, such as being quick or cunning. It can also be an occupational surname for a hunter or a fur trader. In some instances, it can be a variant of the surname Von, indicating nobility. As with many European surnames, there are several spelling variations, including Vos, Voss, Fossen, and others. The use of this surname dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, it is still common in both the Netherlands and Germany. Variations of the surname can also be found in other parts of the world due to immigration.
Order DNA origin analysisVossen: Where does the name Vossen come from?
The last name Vossen is most commonly found in Germany, especially in the western regions of the country. It is common in the regions bordering the Netherlands, such as Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria, and also in the area southeast of Berlin.
In Germany, the name is thought to have originated in the 13th century, in Lower Saxony, when people began to take on surnames. However, some experts believe the origins may go back even further to the 10th or 11th century.
The popularity of the name has extended throughout Europe as German immigrants moved to new lands. Today, Vossen is seen throughout Europe, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Switzerland.
The Vossen family can also be found in North America, particularly the United States and Canada. Migration records show that immigrants from Germany arrived in the 17th century, and many of them had the last name Vossen.
Tracing its roots as a German surname, Vossen today remains a common last name in both Germany and abroad. With its strong roots in Lower Saxony, it has spread from Europe to North America and beyond.
Variations of the surname Vossen
Vossen is an old German surname of patronymic origin. A patronymic surname indicates that the bearer was the son or descendant of a man whose given name was Voss. Variants of Vossen include Vos, Voss, Vosse and Vossemann.
The Dutch spelling of Vossen is usually Vossen, Vos, Vosse or Vosseman. Vosen is a Scandinavian form originating from Queens, which is an area in Norway, and Vässin is a Finnish variant.
Voss, Vossen, and Vosseman are also Dutch surnames. This line is thought to have come from the Vandenberghe-Vosseman line. Historically, the Voss family lived in the Kardinaalster district of Utrecht, in the southwestern portion of the Netherlands.
Other variants of Vossen include Vose, Vosen, Vossin and Voussard. Vose is an English variant of the surname, while Voussard is a French variation of Vossen.
Vossen is also found in Belgium, mainly in East Flanders. Vosse or Vosseman are the main variations used in Belgium, with Vossen also being used.
Vossen is also found in Switzerland, usually spelt Vosse or Vossemann, and in Luxembourg, usually spelt Vos.
Vosen is a variant that is derived from Danish Queen, Norway. Vässin is a Finnish variant of Vossen.
In combination with other root elements, Vossen may form compound surnames such as VanVossen, Van deVossen, Van den Vossen or VonVossen.
Famous people with the name Vossen
- Luc Vossen, Belgian footballer
- Jef Vossen, Belgian footballer
- Sofie Vossen, French-Belgian actress
- Eef Vossen, Dutch professional footballer
- Egbert Vossen, German-Dutch athlete
- Andy Vossen, German professional footballer
- Douglas Vossen, American actor and comedian
- Michele Vossen, Canadian ice hockey player
- Karel Vossen, Dutch painter
- Stijn Vossen, Belgian racing cyclist