Find out how popular the first name Von has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Von by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Von is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Von being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 84 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Von.

The history of the first name Von

The given name Von has its origins in the Germanic languages, specifically in Old German and Old Norse. It is derived from the word "fon," which means "from" or "of." This prefix was commonly used in the medieval period to denote nobility or aristocratic lineage, indicating that the person bearing the name was "from" a particular family or region.

Von is believed to have first appeared as a name component in the 9th century, during the Carolingian dynasty of the Holy Roman Empire. At that time, it was used as a designation of social status and lineage, often preceding the name of a family estate or place of origin. For instance, the name "Von Rothenburg" would indicate that the person was from the noble family associated with the town of Rothenburg.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Von can be found in the Nibelungenlied, a renowned German epic poem from the 13th century. The poem features several characters with the prefix Von, such as Von Tronje and Von Metz, reflecting the widespread use of this naming convention among the nobility of that era.

Throughout history, there have been numerous notable individuals who bore the name Von as part of their given name or title. One of the most famous was Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898), the celebrated Prussian statesman who was instrumental in the unification of Germany and served as its first Chancellor.

Another prominent figure was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), widely regarded as one of the greatest writers and intellectuals of the German Romantic era. His literary masterpieces, including Faust and The Sorrows of Young Werther, continue to be celebrated worldwide.

In the realm of music, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), the renowned German composer and pianist, is often referred to by his middle name Von, though it was not officially part of his given name. His contributions to classical music are immeasurable, with works such as his Fifth Symphony and Moonlight Sonata becoming iconic masterpieces.

The name Von also has a strong association with the military and political leadership of Germany. One example is Manfred von Richthofen (1892-1918), better known as the "Red Baron," a famous German fighter pilot during World War I who achieved 80 air combat victories before being shot down.

Another notable figure was Claus von Stauffenberg (1907-1944), a German army officer who was a central figure in the July 20th plot, a failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler and overthrow the Nazi regime during World War II.

While the name Von has a rich historical significance, particularly in the context of Germanic nobility and lineage, its usage as a given name has become less common in modern times. However, its legacy remains deeply ingrained in the cultural and historical fabric of Germany and other Germanic-speaking regions.

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 Von was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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