Surname Degner - Meaning and Origin
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Degner: What does the surname Degner mean?
The last name Degner is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German "diener" meaning "servant" or "minion". It is also a contraction of "degenere" meaning "degenerate". This name has been found in records dating back to 1279 in Germany, with references to one Johannes de Genere, referring to him as a "labourer".
The Degner surname most likely originates from the regions located between Bavaria and Saxony. In the Middle Agesthese areas had a strong presence of Germanic people, and many of the surnames coming from these areas are derived from language and occupations of past times.
During the Middle Ages, some families chose to adopt surnames to identify themselves in the ever-changing social world of the time. As many people adopted surnames from their ancestors' trade or occupation, it is also possible that the surname Degner was given to those who were employed in service to their masters, possibly at a manor or military fort.
Throughout the years, the last name Degner has become synonymous with those who move and adapt to changes in their society. People with the surname Degner are often seen as intelligent, adaptable to change, and resilient.
Today, the last name Degner is found in various parts of the world, including Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. It is estimated that there are in excess of 2,000 individuals bearing the surname Degner, with the majority living in Germany, the United States, and Canada.
Order DNA origin analysisDegner: Where does the name Degner come from?
The last name Degner is commonly found in Germany and other Germanic speaking countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It can also be found throughout Germany's diaspora communities. Degner is not found in large numbers anywhere else.
The name can be traced back to the High Middle Ages, when it was most commonly found in what is now called the modern German state of Bavaria. As Bavaria gained its independence as a German state in the 19th century, Degners spread throughout the country and its neighbouring Germanic countries.
The name Degner is derived from the Middle High German word "degin", meaning "daring." It was likely used as a nickname for someone who had a courageous or bold spirit. The name was commonly used as a surname, and could have been passed down through generations or adopted as a surname by those who chose their family name.
The name is still quite popular in Germany today, where it is one of the top 500 common surnames. It also appears in various modern day German-speaking areas, including southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Degner is, however, quite rare across the rest of the world.
Variations of the surname Degner
The surname Degner can be spelled and also be used as variants and alternate surnames in many different ways, including Degener, Degener, Degen, Deggener, Dehner, and Degnera. The name is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'dichtener', which translates to 'poet'. It likely originated as an occupational surname for a poet or minstrel of that region.
Alternate spellings and variants of Degner are more common in Germany, as the country is known for its many spelling variations common to its dialects of languages. The variations of Degner seen today are likely translations or adaptations of the original name from these languages.
In some cases, the surname Degner has been changed due to immigration. For example, when German immigrants to the United States or Canada during the late 19th or early 20th centuries arrived they often anglicized their last name to better fit in- notably, the surname Degner became Dehner and Degener became Degener.
The variations of Degner are also seen in some parts of Austria, and Scandinavia. In Denmark, Degn is an alternative spelling, and in Finland and elsewhere in Scandinavia, Degerman can be seen. It is believed this Finnish adaptation is the result of examples of the name being written in a different language in the area.
The surname Degner is still widely to this day, and it has variations and spellings in many countries, as well as its origins in Germany. It is likely that the variations of the name will continue to evolve, as new immigrants or those wishing to hide from authorities adopt and modify their surnames.
Famous people with the name Degner
- Brock Degner: Canadian professional snowboarder and X-Games champion.
- Helmut Degner: West German motorcycle racer and manager.
- Abigail Degner: 2000s Teen Idol from the U.S.A.
- Richard Degner: American retired Brigadier General and military commander.
- Joe Degner: Professional stuntman and winner of the “World’s Greatest Stuntman” title.
- Hubert Degner: Former candidate for the National Democratic Party nominations for U.S. Senate.
- Cynthia Degner: Metalworker and sculptor from the U.S.
- Conny Degner: German actress and entertainer.
- Walt Degner: Music composer and producer.
- Rustico Degner: Former stage actor and singer.