Summary

The surname ZAHN has German origins and is derived from the German word 'zahn', which means 'tooth'. In the Middle Ages, this surname was often associated with someone who had prominent or distinctive teeth. Over time, the meaning evolved, and it became a popular occupational surname for dentists or individuals involved in dental work. Today, individuals with the surname ZAHN can be found around the world, particularly in countries with significant German heritage.
There are
6086
Zahns in the USA
Zahn is the
5695th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Zahn

FritzZahn

German physicist known for his work on X-ray crystallography and the development of electron microscopy.

FriedrichAlbert

German composer and conductor who composed operas, symphonies, and chamber music during the late 19th century.

AdolfZahn

German ornithologist who specialized in the study of birds, particularly their behavior and migration patterns.

JohannBaptist

Bavarian theologian and biblical scholar recognized for his extensive work on the history and interpretation of the New Testament.

MeredithZahn

American artist known for her abstract paintings and sculptures that explore themes of identity and the human condition.

Zahn Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Zahn has origins in Germany, specifically in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony.
Geographic DistributionThe surname Zahn is most commonly found in Germany, United States, Switzerland, and Austria.
VariationsVariations of the surname Zahn include Zahnd, Zahnle, and Zahner.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Zahn occurred during various periods. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many individuals with the surname Zahn migrated from Germany to the United States, seeking better economic opportunities. They settled primarily in areas with strong German-American communities, such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Another wave of migration occurred during and after World War II, when some Zahn families fled Europe due to political instability. Today, the surname Zahn can be found in multiple countries due to these historical migration patterns.