Surname Merx - Meaning and Origin
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Merx: What does the surname Merx mean?
The last name Merx is of Germanic origin and is derived from an occupational name that referred to a merchant or trader of dry goods. The surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who was known for their trading or retailing abilities.
The etymological root of Merx is the Old High German word “marah” which means “trade”, “business” or “commerce”. The suffix “-x” was added to show a mark of endearment and respect. Therefore, the literal meaning of the name Merx is someone who is good at or involved in trading or merchandising.
In the Middle Ages, traders and merchants were highly respected and held in high esteem as they essentially controlled the economy of the day. Consequently, the name Merx was given to those of merchant or trading lines to reflect the respect and admiration that was held for merchants.
As time went by, the surname Merx spread to other parts of Europe and then to the American colonies. Today the surname is widespread around the world and is especially common in Germany, the Netherlands, and in many parts of North America.
The name Merx reflects the long, proud heritage of merchants and traders who played an important role in shaping the world’s economy for hundreds of years. If you’re lucky enough to be a Merx, you can be proud of your family’s accomplishments and contributions.
Order DNA origin analysisMerx: Where does the name Merx come from?
The last name Merx is most commonly found in Germany and parts of the Netherlands. In Germany, it is most commonly associated with the region of North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, it is also quite common in the Dutch province of Limburg and the Belgian province of Liege.
According to in 2019 German phonebook, the surname Merx is widespread throughout the country, with especially heavy concentrations in the former West German states, especially North Rhine-Westphalia.
In the Netherlands, the surname is again mainly found in Limburg, but also in Groningen, Friesland, and Gelderland. These areas are close to the Belgian border, and it appears that names like Merx have been carried into these areas by cross-border migrant workers.
In Belgium, the surname is mainly found in the province of Liege. It is unlikely that this region was a significant settlement area historically, indicating that it was predominantly settled by immigrants from Germany and the Netherlands. This is in line with the Belgian interests of the Merx family.
In the United States, the last name Merx is found in current immigration records as well. The majority of surname holders in the United States appear to be of German and Dutch descent, in line with the distribution patterns seen elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Merx
The surname Merx is derived from the old German name “Merich” which has a variety of spellings and variants. The variations and spellings in English include Merix, Marix, Maricks, Merricks, Merex, and Merecks. The other forms of this name are Merkel, Merkle, Merchel, Merkelle, Merchle, and Merkill.
The variants of the surname Merx in other languages are, Merckx in Dutch, Merkel in German, Merkelbacher and Merkl in Jewish, Maric in Polish, heir to have the same etymological root as the surname Merx. It is derived from the ancient Germanic name “Merich”, first recorded in Hebrew sources from the 12th century.
The earliest recorded use of the surname Merx appears in the 11th century in Germany. It was used to identify people originating in the early German settlement in the region which would today be known as the Netherlands. The majority of individuals with the surname in Europe at this time were of German origin.
The surname Merx was frequently a part of German nobility and its spread within Europe after the Middle Ages was largely attributed to migration patterns generated by trade and wars. The surname is also found in parts of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Belgium, France and some parts of the United States.
In more contemporary times, the surname is still widely used and its variants account for many derivative surnames. Some of the primary variants are Merkle, Mercers, and Mericans, all stemming from the same root.
Famous people with the name Merx
- Thomas Merx: German midfielder currently playing in the 3. Liga for SV Wehen Wiesbaden.
- Richard Merx: Austrian former professional footballer and manager.
- Robert Merx: Swiss international footballer who played in the 1960s and 70s.
- Jan Merx: Dutch former professional footballer who played in the Eredivisie for Groningen.
- Mathias Merx: German former professional footballer who last played with SVH Schwerin.
- Klaas-Jan Merx: Dutch former professional footballer who played for Ajax Amsterdam and Fortuna Sittard.
- Mathias Merx: Italian celebrity chef and restaurateur.
- Gisèle Merx: French former cyclist who won numerous medals in the European Championships.
- Henri Merx: Luxembourgian politician who was a member of the Chamber of Deputies.
- Dominique Merx: French artist and photographer who had numerous exhibitions and works in museums.