Surname Pense - Meaning and Origin

Pense: What does the surname Pense mean?

The surname Pense is of French origin and is derived from the verb "penser," meaning "to think." This could indicate an occupational name for a philosopher, scholar, or perhaps a person of notable intelligence. Alternatively, it might also be a nickname for a reflective or thoughtful individual. Similarly to many other surnames, the original meaning may have evolved, shifted or diversified over the centuries and across different geographical areas. Surnames often stem from a characteristic, profession, location or the name of a person's father, which could potentially offer another interpretation. Lastly, it is worth noting that the meaning might also have personal variations based on one's family history and genealogy.

Pense: Where does the name Pense come from?

The last name Pense is most commonly found in Germany today, but can also be found in the United States, Canada, and other parts of Europe.

In Germany, it is especially common in the north and west of the country, where it is among the 100 most frequent family names there. The name is thought to have originated in the west German region of Westphalia, where many people of the surname were first recorded in the 1400s. It is thought to have derived from the Latin word "pensare," which means to think. This suggests that the name was initially borne by people of intelligence, sometimes even being used to denote a professor or jurist.

In the United States, the name Pense is not among the top 1000 most frequent last names. However, the Pense surname does appear in the late 19th century records for Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and North Dakota. Today, it is still found in many of these states as well as in other parts of the United States.

In Canada, the last name Pense is most commonly found in Ontario and Quebec. Records suggest that the first person of the Pense name arrived in Canada in the early 1800s.

Overall, Pense is a relatively uncommon last name. It probably originated in Germany, and is still found particularly in this country, as well as in parts of the United States and Canada.

Variations of the surname Pense

The surname Pense is a French and Dutch name that dates back to the medieval period. It originated from the Latin pensus, meaning “weight,” or the Old French pense, meaning “thought.” The surname is common in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Variants of the name include Pensé, Pensée, and Pensive, and are all variations of the same surname. Spelling alternatives for Pense include Pens, Pensier, Pensez, and Pensée.

Some common variations or alternate surnames of Pense are Piston, Piconne, Pieone, Piesne, Pinne, Piton, and Pitonc. These derivatives stem from ancient French names such as Piston (“leader” or “chief”) or Piconne (“first-born son”).

In France, the surname Pense is most prominent in Normandy and Île-de-France. However, it is found elsewhere in the country with similar spellings – Pinson in Lorraine and Vosges, Pinte in Upper Loire Valley, Pinsonnet in Rhône-Alps, and Pintes in Auvergne.

In Flanders, the name is derived from the first name Penseel, but in Belgium the spelling is often spelled Pensyl or Pensil. It is also often found in the Netherlands and Germany as Pensil, Pensel, and Pensilen.

In Luxembourg, the surname is sometimes written as Pensloo or Penslo.

The surname Pense is found all around the world and has many variations. Its ancient roots give it an interesting history and many diverse spellings.

Famous people with the name Pense

• Mike Pence: American lawyer, politician, and the 48th Vice President of the United States (2017-2021).
• William Pence: American lawyer and publisher who served as a Republican United States senator from Iowa from 1975 to 1981.
• Richard Pence: American broadcaster and financial adviser who hosted the NBC series The Power of Richard Pence in the 1970s.
• Thomas Pence: American admiral in the United States Navy who served as Commander of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet from 1889 to 1893.
• Rebecca Pence: American political figure and daughter of Vice President Mike Pence.
• John Pence: American politician, businessman, and U.S. House of Representatives member representing Kansas from 1873 to 1875.
• David Pence: American politician and 17th lieutenant governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010.
• Everett Pence: U.S. Marine Corps aviation officer who was awarded the Silver Star for his service in the Korean War.
• William Pontius Pence: American manufacturer, entrepreneur and philanthropist who was prominent in politics and industry in Indiana during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Karl Pence: American aviator who logged over 1,500 hours of flight time over four continents.

Other surnames

PensPenselPensoPensyl