Show ContentsHolsten History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name is a shortened form of the Middle Low German word "holtsate," meaning "one who dwells in the woods." Holstein, was the name of a German region as well as of several villages, and in turn, some bearers of this name no doubt derived their name from the place names.

Early Origins of the Holsten family

The surname Holsten was first found in Germany, where the name Holsten came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as numerous branches of the same house acquired distant estates, some of which were located in other countries. Through the acquisition of these estates as well as their important contributions to society, the family successfully elevated their social status.

Early History of the Holsten family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Holsten research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Holsten History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Holsten Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Holst, Holste, Holsten, Holster, Holstein and many more.

Early Notables of the Holsten family

More information is included under the topic Early Holsten Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Holsten migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Holsten Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Frederick Holsten, aged 32, who landed in Missouri in 1845 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Holsten (post 1700) +

  • John D. Holsten, American Democratic Party politician, Member of New York State Assembly from Kings County 7th District, 1900-01 2


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 12) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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