Surname Deppen - Meaning and Origin
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Deppen: What does the surname Deppen mean?
Deppen is a German surname which is derived from the Old High German word 'depp' meaning 'fool' or 'dullard'. Thus, the name may have originally been an occupational surname to describe a person who was not particularly bright or clever. The surname may also have been given to someone who tended to behave foolishly, or perhaps to children who were particularly mischievous.
In the 17th century in parts of Germany, a 'Deppen' was known as someone who lived in a rural area, usually acted stupidly and had poor manners. This type of person became the stereotype for the name and was used as an insult for anyone from the rural areas.
Today, the surname Deppen has lost its insulting connotations and is mostly used today to describe someone who is good-naturedly clumsy, naive or awkward. It is often used as a term of endearment to describe a humorous, likeable person. It can also be used to simply to describe someone whose behaviour is silly, but in an amusing way.
Order DNA origin analysisDeppen: Where does the name Deppen come from?
The last name Deppen is of German origin and is most commonly found in Germany, in both North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. It is also found in some parts of Austria and a scattering of other countries, including areas of the United States such as Pennsylvania. The earliest records of the name date back to the 1600s, when European records began to be more available; the name is still found commonly in some families in Germany today.
The name Deppen is a surname of occupation, a derivative of the German word "dieb" which literally translates to thief. It was bestowed upon individuals who either sold stolen goods or were known as a thief. It was also used to refer to those who worked in the mines or on ships that brought goods to Europe from other parts of the world.
More recently, Deppen has become a surname that has been adopted by those who don't necessarily come from a family with a long history with the name. It is a popular name choice in the United States, with families with the last name Deppen living in states like Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Its German origin is recognizable so many families have taken on the surname as a way to honor their German ancestor.
Overall, the last name Deppen is quite common throughout Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, and can also be found in the United States today. There is a rich history behind the name, although its use has changed over time with many adopted families taking on the last name.
Variations of the surname Deppen
The surname Deppen come from the German noun 'deppe', which was originally a nickname for a clumsy or faint-hearted person. The surname is found mainly in the Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and Hesse regions of Germany.
Variant spellings and surnames for the same origin include Depp, Deppert, Depperth, Dieppen, Depper, Deppling, Depen, Deppmann, Deppmeyer, Deppenbrock, Deppisch, Deppner, Diepp, Dippen, and Dyppen.
The Deppen surname was likely derived from the name of an ancestor who exhibited the character of being clumsy or faint-hearted. The surname is found most commonly in southwest Germany.
The surnames Depp and Deppen may have migrated to the United States in the 1700s and 1800s. There are records of a Christian Deppen, for example, migrating from the Rhineland-Palatinate in 1738 and settling in Pennsylvania, while another Deppen emigrated from Hesse to USA in 1749.
In today's age, the Deppen surname is still found mainly in Germany, the United States, Canada and some other countries. Variants of the Deppen name can also be found in other places, such as the United Kingdom.
Many of the Descendants of Deppen still bear the surname to date, but others have adopted variations of the name or variant spellings, such as Dippen and Dyppen. The surname is still widely used today, especially in Germany and North America.
Famous people with the name Deppen
- Johnny Deppen: Johnny Deppen is an American actor, producer, and musician. He has become one of the world's highest-paid and most recognizable actors.
- Kevin Deppen: Kevin Deppen is an American actor who has received critical acclaim for his roles in films such as The Purge, Sleepy Hollow, and Star Trek Beyond.
- Maura Deppen: Maura Deppen is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Maggie O'Neill in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things.
- Robert Deppen: Robert Deppen is an American nurse who works at the San Francisco General Hospital in California. He is one of the few nurses specializing in pediatrics.
- Xander Deppen: Xander Deppen is an American singer-songwriter. He is best known for his single "Breakfast in Bed" which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- William Deppen: William Deppen is an American businessman. He is the founder and CEO of Deppen Industries, a successful construction and engineering firm based in Houston, Texas.
- Diane Deppen: Diane Deppen is an American politician. She is currently the mayor of Lawrenceville, New Jersey and has been a strong advocate for women and children’s rights.
- Raymond Deppen: Raymond Deppen is an American journalist. He is currently a staff reporter for the Los Angeles Times, covering national political news and breaking news stories from around the country.
- Aaron Deppen: Aaron Deppen is an American soccer player. He currently plays for Sporting Kansas City in the Major Soccer League (MLS).
- Victoria Deppen: Victoria Deppen is an American ballet dancer and former principal dancer for New York City Ballet. She is known for her strong technical ability and grace as a dancer.