Biehn
A German surname derived from a Germanic personal name with an uncertain origin.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 857 Americans carry the last name Biehn. That puts it at #31,906 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.25 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 399,947 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Biehn surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
857
1 in 399,947
Census rank
#31,906
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.3
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
723
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 723 bearers of the surname Biehn in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.25 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 31906th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Biehn, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.8%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.2%) and Two or More Races (1.2%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Biehn
The surname Biehn is of German origin, tracing its roots back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony, where it was initially recorded as Bihn or Bihne. The name is likely derived from the German word "biegen," meaning "to bend" or "to curve," suggesting a possible occupational connection to metalworking or a topographical descriptor.
One of the earliest known references to the Biehn name can be found in the church records of Nuremberg, dating back to the late 1500s. These records document the birth and marriage of individuals bearing the name Bihn or Bihne during this period. It is worth noting that variations in spelling were common during this era, as standardized spelling conventions were not yet widely established.
The Biehn surname gained further recognition in the 17th century, with several notable individuals emerging. Johann Biehn, a prominent scholar and theologian born in 1621 in Saxony, was renowned for his contributions to religious studies and his published works on biblical exegesis. Another figure, Hans Biehn (1647-1712), was a skilled artisan and metalworker who gained recognition for his intricate metalwork designs.
In the 18th century, the name Biehn appeared in various official records and documents across central and eastern Germany. One noteworthy individual was Friedrich Biehn (1731-1798), a respected jurist and legal scholar who served as a judge in the city of Dresden. His writings on legal principles and jurisprudence were widely studied and influential during his time.
As the 19th century dawned, the Biehn surname expanded its reach, with individuals bearing the name venturing beyond the borders of Germany. One such individual was Wilhelm Biehn (1812-1879), a German immigrant to the United States who settled in Pennsylvania and became a successful businessman and landowner. His descendants played a role in the growth and development of the Lehigh Valley region.
Another notable figure from this era was Sophie Biehn (1836-1905), a German-born artist and painter who gained recognition for her landscapes and portraiture. Her works were exhibited in various galleries across Europe and are now held in several prestigious art collections.
As the Biehn surname has endured through the centuries, it has maintained its connection to its German heritage while also spreading across the globe. From its humble beginnings as a descriptive or occupational name, it has evolved into a proud and enduring legacy, carried forward by generations of individuals who have left their mark on history in diverse fields and endeavors.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Biehn
Among Census respondents with the surname Biehn, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.8%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.2%) and Two or More Races (1.2%).
The bar chart below shows how Biehn bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Biehn surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White96.8%
- Hispanic or Latino1.2%
- Two or more races1.2%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Biehn surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #31,906 | #31,906 | 0.0% |
| Count | 723 | 723 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Biehn bearers went from 723 to 723 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #31,906 to #31,906.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Biehn
FAQ
Biehn surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Biehn?
The surname Biehn holds position #31,906 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 857 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.25 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Biehn surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Biehn, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.8%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (1.2%) and Two or More Races (1.2%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.