Posen is a surname of German origin. It is primarily a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a place name. In this case, it refers to Posen, the German name for the city of Poznań, located in present-day Poland.
Historically, the city of Poznań (Posen in German) was a significant urban center with a long and varied political history, being part of various states, including the Kingdom of Poland, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and, for extended periods, the Kingdom of Prussia and the German Empire. During the periods of German administration, the city was officially known as Posen.
Individuals bearing the Posen surname likely have ancestral connections to the city of Poznań or the surrounding region, either because an ancestor originated from there or was associated with the location. The surname is found predominantly among people of German or Ashkenazi Jewish descent, reflecting the historical demographics of the area.
Notable individuals with the surname Posen include:
- Robert Posen (born 1947), an American financier, academic, and lawyer.
- Adam Posen (born 1966), an American economist, and son of Robert Posen.