Origin & Meaning of the Thelen Surname
What does the last name Thelen mean?
The surname Thelen carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,657 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thelen ranks as the #6,065 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thelen come from?
The Thelen surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Thelen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thelen trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Thelen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,065 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,657 |
| Per 100K People | 1.92 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thelen
According to the US Census, the Thelen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,657 Americans with the Thelen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 96.2% |
| Black | 0.41% |
| Hispanic | 1.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.69% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 1.18% |
Popularity of Thelen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thelen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thelen surname increased by 568 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Thelen Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Thelen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Thelen Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Thelen Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Thelen
- ✓ The Thelen coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Thelen families live today
- ✓ Notable Thelen bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Thelen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Thelen.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Thelen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thelen
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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