Princen

Princen is a surname of Dutch origin. It is likely derived from the Dutch word prins, meaning prince, with the suffix -en that appears in various Dutch surnames as a patronymic or toponymic marker. The name may have originated as a way to indicate descent from a person named Prins or as a designation tied to a place associated with princes.

The surname has historical prevalence in the Netherlands, with notable concentrations in central and eastern regions, and in the Flemish part of Belgium. Through emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries, bearers of Princen have appeared in North America, Australia, and other parts of Europe.

Variants and related forms include Prinsen and Prins. Differences in spelling may reflect regional dialects, clerical recording practices, or migration history.

In genealogical and onomastic contexts, Princen is treated as a distinct surname with potential connections to similar forms, but it is not widely associated with a single well-documented lineage in major reference works. Those researching family history may encounter Princen in records such as civil registries, church books, and immigration documents, often alongside related surnames.

See also: Prinsen; Prins.