Sarasin

Sarasin is a surname of European origin, most commonly found in Switzerland and France. The name has several possible etymological roots. One theory suggests it derives from a medieval occupational name referring to someone who worked with flax or linen, potentially related to the Old French word "sarasin" which could refer to a type of fine cloth. Another possibility links it to a nickname, potentially referring to someone with dark or swarthy complexion, as "Saracen" was historically used to refer to Arabs or Muslims. It may also be a locational surname, derived from a place name containing elements related to the word "Saracen." The Sarasin family, particularly the Basel branch, has a significant history in Swiss banking and philanthropy. The Sarasin Bank (now J. Safra Sarasin) was founded in 1841 and became a prominent private bank in Switzerland.