Find out how popular the first name Degen has been for the last 1 years (from 2009 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Degen by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Degen is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Degen.

The history of the first name Degen

The name Degen is of German origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old High German word "degan," which means "brave warrior" or "valiant knight." This name was initially given to individuals who displayed exceptional courage and bravery in battle.

During the medieval period, the name Degen was particularly popular among the nobility and the knightly class. It was often bestowed upon young men who aspired to become knights or who had already proven themselves in combat. The name held a sense of honor and respect, representing the ideals of chivalry and martial prowess.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Degen can be found in the Nibelungenlied, a famous epic poem from the 13th century. In this work, a character named Degen is depicted as a loyal and courageous warrior who fought alongside the legendary hero Siegfried.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Degen. One such individual was Degen von Leiningen (1180-1245), a German nobleman and crusader who participated in the Fifth Crusade to the Holy Land. His bravery and leadership during the crusade earned him a place in the annals of history.

Another prominent figure was Christoph Degen (1598-1663), a German Baroque painter known for his religious and allegorical works. His paintings adorned churches and palaces throughout Germany and the Netherlands, and he was highly regarded for his artistic skill and attention to detail.

In the 18th century, Johann Degen (1724-1797) was a renowned German clockmaker and inventor. He is credited with developing the first self-winding watch, a groundbreaking innovation that revolutionized the watchmaking industry. His timepieces were highly sought after by aristocrats and wealthy patrons across Europe.

Moving forward to the 19th century, Ernst Degen (1809-1885) was a German botanist and explorer. He embarked on several expeditions to South America, where he discovered and documented numerous plant species. His contributions to the field of botany were significant, and several plant genera were named in his honor.

Finally, in more recent times, the name Degen was borne by Hans Degen (1903-1983), a German footballer who played as a striker for various clubs in the 1920s and 1930s. He was part of the German national team that won the Bronze medal at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam.

These examples demonstrate the rich history and meaning behind the name Degen, which has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including warriors, artists, inventors, scientists, and athletes. The name continues to resonate with its connotations of courage, honor, and achievement.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Degen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Degen, please contact us.

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