Surname Loften - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Loften: What does the surname Loften mean?
The surname Loften does not have a specific meaning tied to it readily identifiable from standard sources. Like many last names, Loften could be derived from various sources such as geographical locations, a profession, or a unique characteristic of an ancestor. It seems to have potential roots in Scandinavian or Old Norse traditions though it is not widely recognized in these cultures. There is also a possibility that it might be a variation of the surname 'Loftin', an English surname that originated from the Old Norse personal name 'Lofti'.
In some cases, Loften could also have evolved from certain names of places. For instance, in the UK, there is a location named 'Loftus,' and 'Loften' might be a variant of this name. However, these are theoretical interpretations, as the specific origin and meaning of the surname 'Loften' is challenging to ascertain without detailed historical and genealogical research. Given the global nature of our world today, the surname 'Loften' can be found in various countries and doesn't necessarily point towards one specific origin or meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisLoften: Where does the name Loften come from?
The surname Loften is said to be of English origin, derived from a geographical location. It is typically categorized as a toponymic surname, meaning it is related to a place name. This name is believed to stem from Old Norse and Old English origins, and could potentially indicate the families originated from areas called "Loftus" in Yorkshire or Norfolk in England. The name itself could be related to the Old Norse "lopt" meaning "loft" or "upper room", while the Old English version, "lofoten", denoting an upper room or gallery, was associated with buildings such as churches.
Where surnames are concerned, mapping popularities and concentrations can be challenging due to relatively modern global mobility. However, the largest percentage of people with the surname Loften is found in the United States, according to available data. It's not a common name, and even in the US, it is infrequently encountered. There's also a presence of the Loften family in England as per various census data, where the name likely originated.
Variations of the surname Loften
The surname Loften is of Scandinavian origin, and its variants can be traced back to the Nordic names Loftur, Lofton, and Loftin. The name can be found with different spellings due to phonetic translations or regional differences. The common spellings include Loftin, Lofoten, Lofoten, Lofton, and Lofthen.
Variant spellings can also be found among immigrants in English-speaking countries, who often changed the spelling of their names to align more closely with English phonetics. Therefore, in places like the United States and the UK, the name might be found as Lofdon, Lofden or even Loftan.
There could also be likely related surnames such as Loftus and Loftis, which share a similar possible origin from the Old Norse name 'Loft-House.' Please note that spellings might have diversified significantly over centuries and geographical relocation, so many variants could exist. It's also important to remember that surname variants don't necessarily imply a direct relation between the families carrying those surnames.
Famous people with the name Loften
- Toby Loften: Toby Loften is an independent filmmaker who has written, produced, and directed several feature-length films. He is from an artistic family and his father was a successful Broadway and screen actor.
- Mike Loften: Mike Loften is a former professional American football player who played for the San Francisco 49ers in the 80s and 90s. He went on to become a scout for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Sean Loften: Sean Loften is an NBA player who played for the Washington Wizards and the LA Clippers. He is now retired.
- Craig Loften: Craig Loften is a British actor who has been seen in shows such as "The Office" and "My Family". He has also had roles in films such as "Selma" and "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation".
- Bob Loften: Bob Loften is a professional bodybuilder who has won several championships throughout the years.
- Marilyn Loften: Marilyn Loften is a former American sprinter who ran for the Oregon Track Club International. She is a two-time NCAA National Champion.
- Angela Loften: Angela Loften is a figurative painter and sculptor from San Francisco. She is known for her large-scale steel and bronze sculptures.
- Jeff Loften: Jeff Loften is a professional basketball player and coach who played professionally in Europe. He is the current head coach of the Lithuanian Basketball League team BC Juventus.
- Brad Loften: Brad Loften is a professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour. He is best known for winning the 1990 MasterCard Championship.
- Larry Loften: Larry Loften is an American painter and sculptor who is a master of abstract expressionism. His works are displayed in galleries and museums all over the world.