Surname Genslen - Meaning and Origin
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Genslen: What does the surname Genslen mean?
The last name Genslen is believed to originate from Belgium and has been found throughout Europe, including Germany, Holland, Northern and Southern France, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and especially in the Netherlands.
Genslen is most likely derived from the Low German term 'gensle', meaning 'a narrow-surfaced wooden plank'. This is due to the fact that this was likely an occupational name for a person who carved wood into planks. So, those who originally used the name were most likely either carpenters or artisans who were involved in some sort of wood-related craftsmanship.
In France, it is thought that the name may have originated from a French term 'gensli', which corresponds to the word 'genslier', meaning 'a servant who worked as a miller'.
The surname Genslen could also have originated from a middle-high German word 'gensel', which translates to 'dipper'. This is given in reference to launderers who used this tool to dip clothing into soap suds.
It is unlikely that the name Genslen was taken on for any other purpose than its occupational reference, as this was a common practice in Europe. Therefore, the last name Genslen is typically thought to have originated as an occupational surname to refer to those who were involved in some form of wood-related work, milling, or laundry duties.
Order DNA origin analysisGenslen: Where does the name Genslen come from?
The last name Genslen is most commonly found today in the United States and Canada. The unusual name has origins in Germany, as the name itself is a Germanic surname meaning "son of Genslen". This surname is most concentrated in central Europe, particularly Turkey, Germany, and Austria, but the name has spread across North America with German immigrants.
In the United States, Genslen is found in numerous states, particularly in the Midwest and Northeastern regions. The greatest concentration of Genslen is found in Pennsylvania, with over 1,400 people with the name living there, and the second highest concentration found in Ohio. In Canada, Genslen is most commonly found in Ontario and Alberta.
Overall, Genslen is an uncommon name, and only about one person in every twenty five thousand people in the United States have the name. The spread of the surname is likely due to German immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, and it is a reminder of the impact of German heritage in North America.
Variations of the surname Genslen
The Genslen surname originates from the German 'Gainsel', meaning 'of a noble family'. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Genslen include Genslein, Gainslaine, Gainslayne, Gainsley, Gensley, Genslayne, and Gainslang.
Gainslain is an early variation of the name Genslen and was used widely in the U.K. region at the time of the Norman Conquest (1066–1154). The name derived from a Germanic given name, possibly from the Proto-Germanic element 'gan-', which means 'passage' or 'way'.
Gainslayne is a later variation of the Genslen surname, which is still in use today. It received this form through the French language, and began to be used in the 1600s. This version of the name is particularly common in France and is used with great frequency in many parts of the world.
Gainsley has also been used to refer to the Genslen surname. It is derived from the German element 'gains', which means 'race,' and the Olde English element 'lee', meaning 'meadow' or 'field.' This variation of the name became popular in Scotland during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Gensley was a popular spelling of Genslen during the Elizabethan era (1558–1603) in England. It was derived from the Old Germanic name 'Gainslain', which translates to 'great family'.
Genslayne is another variation of the Genslen surname and is derived from the Dutch word 'gezien,' which means 'seen'. This spelling has primarily been used in the Netherlands and has been in use since the 15th century.
Finally, Gainslang is a variant of the Genslen surname and has been in use since the early 17th century. It is derived from the German word 'Gainslanger', meaning 'provincial'. This form of the name has been primarily used in Germany and is still in use today.
Famous people with the name Genslen
- Michael Genslen: former mayor of Lima, Ohio
- Paul Genslen: German military strategist and theorist
- Alan Genslen: American business executive and investor
- Adam Genslen: American basketball player
- Josh Genslen: American football player
- Igor Genslen: Russian artist
- Chris Genslen: Australian cricket player
- Karol Genslen: Austrian dancer and choreographer
- Ellen Genslen: American sociologist
- Uwe Genslen: German racing driver and journalist