Surname Posner - Meaning and Origin
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Posner: What does the surname Posner mean?
The surname Posner is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin and was traditionally used as an occupational name indicating a church or cathedral sexton, someone responsible for maintaining the church property and ensuring the smooth running of church events. The name 'Posner' comes from the Jewish Polish town of Poznań, meaning a 'person from Poznań'. Some of the earliest records of this name trace back to the 15th century in Germany and Poland. It is also believed that the surname Posner could have been utilized to denote an individual who migrated from Poznań to another location. Like many Jewish surnames, the meaning and use of Posner reflects a history of forced migration and occupation.
Order DNA origin analysisPosner: Where does the name Posner come from?
The last name Posner is of German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. The surname derives from the German term "Pfusner" or "Posner" which referred to a person from Posen, a place in Poland, previously under German control. In the Jewish community, the name was adopted by those who hailed from the city of Poznań (Posen in German) when surnames became mandatory during the era of Emperor Joseph II of Austria in the late 18th century. Today, the surname Posner is commonly found among Jewish communities worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Israel. Its occurrence in Germany is less common due to the World War II and the Holocaust. Furthermore, it is recognised among notable personalities, such as American journalist Mark Posner and Swiss-American physicist Eric Posner, enhancing its visibility across the globe.
Variations of the surname Posner
The surname Posner is of German origin and pertains to different variations including Poßner, Possner, Posener, Poesner, Poosner. The name could potentially be derived from an occupational name for a doorkeeper or porter or may pertain to geographical roots linked to the town of Posen.
Jewish variants of the surname Posner are also prevalent due to Ashkenazi Jewish families who stayed in Germany and later spread across Eastern Europe and beyond. They include Paszner, Pashner, Pasner, Pozner, and Pazner.
Variations might stem from the shift in accents, dialects and languages over generations and migrations, as well as transcription errors in official documents.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that similar sounding surnames or those spelled differently might not necessarily indicate relationships or shared origins. Genealogical DNA testing, alongside historical and demographic research, can serve to substantiate or disprove these connections.
Famous people with the name Posner
- Mike Posner: An American singer-songwriter, poet, and record producer, known for hits like "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" and "Cooler Than Me".
- Richard Posner: A renowned American jurist, legal theorist, and economist, who was a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago.
- Mark Posner: A British director of theatre and opera, recognized for his productions on both sides of the Atlantic.
- Anne Posner: A well-known figurative artist, her work focusses on human form and facial expressions.
- Eric Posner: An American law professor and author, specializing in international law, contract law, and constitutional law.
- Gerald Posner: An American investigative journalist and author, notable for his best-selling books.
- Neal Posner: An American politician, he served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1979 to 1995.
- Steve Posner: An American author and teacher, his works are well-received in the literary community.
- Cassie Posner: A famous British actress known for her roles in both film and television.
- Ivan Posner: A renowned Belgian cinematographer, known for his work in the international film industry.