Surname Menke - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Threads of My Heritage: The Menke Surname Through a DNA Test
After receiving my iGENEA DNA test results, my understanding and perception of my surname Menke shifted dramatically. This transformation in my appreciation of my roots led to a newfound connection to my personal heritage and broader humanity.
N. Menke
read moreMenke: What does the surname Menke mean?
The surname Menke is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German name Menec. It is likely a short form of the personal name "Adammeinike", which literally translates to "Adam, my kin". The surname likely began as a nickname for someone of Adam's family, or based off the same root.
The surname is believed to have first appeared in the 12th century, with some sources dating it back to the 8th century. It has spread across the world since then, and is today commonly found in both Germany and across the United States. Originally, the name was predominantly found in the northern Rhineland, specifically along the border region between Germany and the Netherlands.
In modern times, Menke is used as both a given name and a surname. It is associated with occupations which value attention to detail and precision, such as engineering, accounting, and medicine. The last name is used the most commonly in Germany, but can be found in multiple countries across the world. In 2006, it was the 935th most commonly used surname in Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisMenke: Where does the name Menke come from?
The surname Menke is a German name, particularly common in the north-central part of the country. It is most often found in regions such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Berlin. Today, it remains particularly common in these areas, although it can also be found in other German-speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and parts of South America and the United States.
In the United States, the surname Menke is concentrated mainly in the northern part of the country. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois each have a higher prevalence of people with the last name Menke than the national average. The highest number of Menke families can be found in Wisconsin, followed by Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan.
The name Menke is also fairly common in South America. Argentina and Brazil both have a significant population with the last name Menke, although it is not as common as in northern Europe.
Overall, the surname Menke is most commonly found in Germany, but can also be found in other European countries, the United States, and South America.
Variations of the surname Menke
The surname Menke, or Minke, is of German origin and has several variants, spellings and surnames that trace back to the same origin. The variants and spellings include Minke, Mencke, Mink, Mennecken, Minkin, Minckin, Minneke, Menneke and Mencken. These all derive from an ancient German root word "MINNO" which means "relative".
The most common surnames of the same origin include Minck, Minnke, Mennekes, Minnekens and Mencke. Menke can also be found with other origins, such as Dutch. As such, some Menkes or Minkes may come from other countries or regions.
The most notable individual associated with the Menke surname is Heinrich Mencke (1706-1782), a German scholar, scientist and professor of medicine, astronomy, anatomy and mathematics. He is credited with the discovery of Uranus and its moons, as well as being an ardent supporter of natural philosophy.
Mencke was a prodigious writer, publishing essays and scientific papers on a range of topics. His influence spread across Europe, inspiring students and scholars in many fields. He had a lasting effect on academic thought and is still studied and celebrated in the scholarly community to this day.
Famous people with the name Menke
- Kurt Menke: German cyclist and Olympic bronze medalist
- Lisa Menke: German road cyclist
- Joe Menke: American voice actor
- Robert Menke: Canadian Olympic swimmer
- Dale Menke: American professional basketball player
- Caroline Menke: German tennis player
- Karen Menke: German actress
- David Menke: American professional baseball player
- Gilbert Menke: American engineer and politician
- Kay Menke: German figure skater
- Anton Menke: Australian movie screenwriter
- Angelika Menke: German actress
- Mark Menke: American professional ice hockey player
- Michael Menke: German Olympic swimmer
- Linda Menke: American professional basketball player
- Günter Menke: German former football player
- Henry Menke: American sportscaster
- April Menke: American country music singer
- Helga Menke: German painter and sculptor
- John Menke: American professional basketball coach