Surname Malkemus - Meaning and Origin
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Malkemus: What does the surname Malkemus mean?
The surname Malkemus is a Dutch name, derived from the Old German phrase "malk-heim'' meaning "homeward". This phrase could refer to the person who returned home after a journey, but it could also refer to someone who moved from one place to another in pursuit of new opportunities. The name is also found as an occupational surname, given to someone who served as a messenger, a minstrel, or a courier.
The earliest known record of the surname Malkemus is from 1359, when Hendrick Malcum was mentioned in the records of Amsterdam, Holland. The name has since spread throughout the Netherlands, as well as other countries in Europe and even to the Americas. Its variant spellings include Malkemes, Malkem, Malkemeus and Melkemus.
Common characteristics associated with the Malkemus name include perseverance and loyalty. Malkemus family members are known for their ability to remain true and devoted to their goals, which can often be achieved by great acts of courage and dedication. They often take great pride in upholding their family’s name and traditions.
Additionally, the Malkemus name is associated with strong leadership skills. With a high degree of independence and an affinity for solving difficult problems, Malkemus individuals are often seen as natural leaders. A self-starter who is not afraid to make difficult decisions, the Malkemus individual often succeeds in both professional and personal ventures.
Order DNA origin analysisMalkemus: Where does the name Malkemus come from?
The last name Malkemus is most common today in the Netherlands, particularly in the western provinces of North and South Holland, as well as in the cities of Friesland and Groningen. Records from the Netherlands show that the family was first found in Friesland, dating back to the 1600s. The surname was likely derived from the Dutch word 'mal', which means bad, and 'keus', which means choice. This suggests that the first family may have been either poor or had generally unfortunate luck in life.
Today, the name appears in other countries in Europe, most notably in Belgian, German and Danish records. It has also made its way to the United States and Canada, where it is mainly found in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, as well as in various provinces across the two nations.
Beyond Europe and North America, records show occasional mentions of the last name Malkemus in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa. This could mean that the name spread to those destinations during the 19th century, when many Europeans were seeking a better life abroad.
Whether in Europe or beyond, the Malkemus family is a testament to the wider human story of migration and dispersion throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Malkemus
The surname Malkemus is a unique Dutch surname thought to originate from a combination of two words: mal meaning ‘hardship’ or ‘trouble’ and kemu meaning ‘vault’ or ‘mansion’, denoting a family of wealth or power. This surname is believed to have arrived in the United States during the Dutch migration to New Amsterdam in the 1600s.
Variants of this surname include Malkim, Malkiemus, Malkemins, Malkiems, and Malkemeijer. Spellings may include Malkemus, Maelkemus, Maekemus, Malkemoes, Malekemus, Malkemoes, and Malkmus.
Surnames of similar origin are Malems, Sarlkemus, Melkemeijer, Melkemus, Salkem, and Salkemus. These surnames all have roughly the same meaning, derived from the original Dutch ‘Malkemus’, and are likely derived from a common ancestor.
Other variations or spellings may be found as the surname travels throughout Europe, such as Melkemuss, Macchimos, Officium, Malkinus, Malkemueer, Malekmasters, Maelkemoes, and Melkemes. This surname is now most popular in the Netherlands and the United States, although there is evidence of the hame being found in other parts of the world as well.
Famous people with the name Malkemus
- Willem Malkemus: a Dutch cyclist who won six Six-day racing events between 1899 and 1901.
- Jan Malkemus: a Dutch cyclist who won three individual pursuit world championship titles between 1911 and 1912.
- Bernd Malkemus: a Dutch cyclist who became world champion in the individual pursuit in 1929 and 1931.
- Johan Malkemus: a Dutch cyclist, who captured the bronze medal in the individual pursuit at the 1930 World Championship.
- Kees Malkemus: a Dutch cyclist who won stages of the Tour of Flanders and other major road races between 1936 and 1945.
- Cornelis Malkemus: a Dutch lawyer who served as a member of the Council of State, the highest court in the Netherlands, from 1949-1964.
- Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey: an American celebrity couple who divorced in 2006, but not before changing JessicaSimpson's last name to Malkemus.
- Arie Malkemus: a Dutch speed skater who competed in the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
- Hub Malkemus: a Dutch speed skater who competed in the 1950 and 1952 Winter Olympics.
- Gerrit Malkemus: a Dutch speed skater who competed in the 1956 Winter Olympics.