The surname Benningsen is derived from the Germanic given name Berno, which is derived from the Old German word bero, which means bear. This makes this name a patronymic surname; that is, derived from the personal name of an ancestor. Patronymic surnames arose out of the vernacular and religious given name traditions. The vernacular or regional naming tradition is the oldest and most pervasive type of patronymic surname. According to this custom, names were originally composed of vocabulary elements from the local language. Vernacular names that were derived from ancient Germanic personal names have cognates in most European languages. For example, the court of Charlemagne (742-814) was Christian and Latin-speaking, but the Frankish dialect of Old German was commonly used for personal names. Vernacular names were also widespread in Germany. As a result, many typical English and French names are of Germanic origin and have cognates in other European languages.
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Early Origins of the Benningsen family
The surname Benningsen was first found in northern Germany, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into several houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power. Chronicles first mention Ludolf Benning of Stralsund in Pomerania around 1288. In Wuerttemberg, two separate towns took on the name Benningen, although their relation to any of the branches of the family is difficult to determine.
Early History of the Benningsen family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benningsen research. Another 158 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1745 and 1813 are included under the topic Early Benningsen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Benningsen Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Benning, Benne, Benningen, Benninger, Beningene, Bennigen, Bennig, Benniger, Benigen, Benig, Beninga (East Friesland), Benningsen and many more.
Early Notables of the Benningsen family
Levin August Gottlieb von Benningsen (b.1745), the famous general of the Russian calvary, who, as general of the Polish forces was made a count of Russia by the Russia emperor Alexander in 1813 while...
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Migration of the Benningsen family
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Joseph Benigen, who came to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1852.
