Surname Mülhens - Meaning and Origin
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Mülhens: What does the surname Mülhens mean?
The last name Mülhens is of German origin, derived from a Middle High German word meaning ‘mill’ or ‘mills’. It is a family name typically still found in Germany today, with origin from areas including the Rhine River Valley, Westphalia, and the Low Countries. Those with the Mülhens surname were most likely hereditary millers or water-mills, which were important assets in the agriculture of pre-industrial-era Germany. The mills were typically privately owned and managed, and the Mülhens family name would have been passed down to descendants of the owning miller.
It is possible that the Mülhens family also had other occupations, as millers were usually also farmers and tradesmen. The Mülhens family would have been landowners or tenants, possessing an entrepreneurial spirit. This could explain why today many individuals with the Mülhens name are successful in business, industry, and other fields.
The Mülhens was a well-respected family name in Germany and still is today. Many descendants of those with the Mülhens surname are proud to have it as a part of their heritage. It is a tradition full of resilience, entrepreneurship, and hard work, with its origins tied to the backbone of German society and economy.
Order DNA origin analysisMülhens: Where does the name Mülhens come from?
The Mülhens surname is most commonly found in Germany today. According to Forebears, it is the 12th most common surname in that country overall, with more than 53,000 people bearing this last name as of 2020. It can also be found in Austria, where more than 2,400 individuals carry the Mülhens name.
The Mülhens surname originated in Hesse, a state in western Germany. It likely derives from the Middle High German word "mulen" meaning "despair" or "trouble". This could indicate a possible ancestor who overcame great difficulty and adversity or who had a dour disposition.
In addition to Germany and Austria, smaller numbers of Mülhenses can be found in Switzerland, the United States, Denmark, France, South Africa, Canada, and the United Kingdom. U.S. Census records from 1880-1920 list hundreds of individuals with this surname, indicating that immigrants from Germany or Austria settled in the United States in that time period.
The Mülhens family is most commonly associated with the perfume house of Mäurer & Wirtz, founded in 1845 by Franz Mülhens. The company is still in business today as a major producer of body and home fragrances.
Variations of the surname Mülhens
The surname Mülhens is of German origin. It is primarily derived from the Middle High German word "mulhant", meaning one who is brave or courageous. It is also thought to be derived from "mul", which means valley. It is one of many variants of the same name, including Mulheisen, Mulhauser, Mühlhausen, Muehlhausen, Mulhause, and Mühlhäuser.
In some cases Mulheisen, Mulhauser, Mühlhausen, and Muehlhausen are interchangeable, if not almost indistinguishable. The difference lies in the addition of a sporadic ‘a’ or an ‘e’, as well as the occasional letter drift in pronunciation.
Mulhause is a hyphenated variant of the name, commonly used by those of German or Swiss descent. It is a combination of the two recognized main elements of the name - ‘mul’ and ‘hauser’, meaning valley and home.
Meanwhile Mühlhäuser or Millhouser is a distinguished variant of Mülhens. It openly claims the origin of the first element in the name being ‘mühl’, or mill in German. Also, the integration of 'hâuser' has been inverted.
Overall, whichever spelling variation of Mülhens a family chooses, they will be united by their shared heritage and the profound meaning that their surname alone holds.
Famous people with the name Mülhens
- Heinrich Mülhens (1852: 1906): Heinrich Mülhens was a German businessman who founded the perfumery and cosmetics company, Mildenhels & Kölnisch Wasser Fabrik (now known as Muelhens).
- Wolfgang von Mülhens (b. 1926): Wolfgang von Mülhens is a German entrepreneur and was the CEO of Muelhens & Kölnisch Wasser Fabrik from 1973 to 1992.
- Paul Best Mülhens (1863–1941): Paul Best Mülhens was a German chemist who worked for Muelhens & Kölnisch Wasser Fabrik from 1890 to 1902 as director of research and development.
- Maria von Mülhens (c. 1754–1824): Maria von Mülhens was a German writer known for her books of Christian apologetics and essays.
- Ernst Mülhens (1846–1927): Ernst Mülhens was a German entrepreneur who was instrumental in establishing Muelhens & Kölnisch Wasser Fabrik and introducing perfumes to the public.
- Clara Christoffel Mülhens (1816–1891): Clara Christoffel Mülhens was a German writer, whose works included political satire, operas, plays, and operettas.
- Günter von Mülhens (1917–1992): Günter von Mülhens was a German industrialist and the chairman of Muelhens & Kölnisch Wasser Fabrik from 1974 to 1992.
- Philipp Mülhens (1734–1824): Philipp Mülhens was a German theologian and librarian who was also an amateur historian.