Degen

• As a German and Alemannic German surname, from the noun Degen (“boy warrior, hero”).
• As a German and Dutch surname, shortened from names like Degenhard, Degenhold, etc., with the same meaning as the above.

In isolated cases it can also be from Degen (“rapier”), for someone who made or wore such weapons, and from Middle High German dechen (“dean”, modern German Dechant).

Degen (plural Degens)

1. A surname from German.

• According to the 2010 United States Census, Degen is the 14838^th most common surname in the United States, belonging to 1997 individuals. Degen is most common among White (94.24%) individuals.

• Hanks, Patrick, editor (2003), “Degen”, in Dictionary of American Family Names, volume 1, New York City: Oxford University Press, →ISBN, page 425.

• Gen Ed, Gen-ed, Gen. Ed., gen ed, gen. ed.

• IPA^(key): /ˈdeːɡən/, [ˈdeː.ɡŋ̍], [-ɡən]

• Audio (Berlin)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: De‧gen

Illustration of "Degen" from Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon (6th edition, 1905), showing weapons that in English would be variously classed as rapier, smallsword, broadsword or sabre.

Since ca. 1400, at first as degen, but also dege, dägen, tägen. Usually derived from Middle French dague, but the origin of the e-vocalism is unclear. An eastern dialectal *degue is possible, but apparently unattested, whereas Czech dýka is considered a borrowing from German. See French dague and Italian daga for more. Probably also related with the family of English dagger.

From the 17th century, the sense “dagger” is restricted to Dolch, while Degen comes to refer to longer weapons, especially thrust-oriented dueling swords. By the 18th century it was used of any sword worn as part of a uniform.

Degen m (strong, genitive Degens, plural Degen)

1. rapier, smallsword
2. (fencing) épée
3. (obsolete) dagger

• Florett
• Schwert

From Middle High German dëgen, from Old High German degan.

Cognate with Dutch degen, English thane, Icelandic þegn, Ancient Greek τέκνον (téknon). The word had become archaic by 1500, but was revived in poetic style since the later 18th century. This use may be a learned borrowing from Middle High German as there appear to be no attestations between ca. 1650 and 1750.

Degen m (strong, genitive Degens, plural Degen)

1. (archaic, poetic, history) hero, warrior, soldier

• Haudegen (partially)

• “Degen” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache
• “Degen” in Duden online
• “Degen” in Duden online