Surname Pekau - Meaning and Origin
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Pekau: What does the surname Pekau mean?
The last name Pekau originates from the Westphalia region of Germany. It is believed to have been derived from the German name Peckel, which was derived from the Middle High German word “pekel” meaning pickle. It is thought that this is an occupational surname, used to distinguish between different pickle makers in the Westphalian region.
The surname Pekau is a relatively uncommon surname in the United States. According to the 2020 census, there are only about 470 people in the US bearing the surname. However, it is much more popular and more frequently found in Germany where it is estimated there are over 4200 individuals carrying the name. Given its German origins, the surname is also found in other German speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland.
Due to its unique origin, it is not associated with any specific region such as a town or county. It is likely that the individuals who bear the name have migrated from various parts of what is now Germany throughout recorded history. Given its unique nature, its bearers have most likely shared a strong sense of identity throughout the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisPekau: Where does the name Pekau come from?
The last name Pekau is primarily found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. According to a genealogy company in Switzerland, the name originated in the city of Rothenburg in the 16th century and spread to nearby villages. It is believed that members of the Pekau family were craftsmen and traders in the area and the surname derived from their profession. In the modern day, records indicate that there are over 1,500 people living in Germany with the last name Pekau. Additionally, there are a few hundred people living in Austria and Switzerland with the same name.
Within the United States, the name Pekau is most common in Wisconsin. The first immigrant to the United States with the last name Pekau arrived in Milwaukee in 1843. Records show that other Pekau family members followed. Today, there are an estimated 350 Pekaus living in Wisconsin. Other states with a fairly significant population of Pekaus include Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota.
Today, many people with the last name Pekau are highly successful and work in professional fields, often in business or engineering. Although the last name is not as well-known as some others, it remains a proud German name that echoes centuries of men and women who forged a better life for their families.
Variations of the surname Pekau
Pekau is a German surname. Variations in spelling can range from the original spelling of Pekau to alternative versions such as Paekau, Paikau, Piekau, Peekau, Paicau, Peikau, Paijau, Peicau, Pecau, Piecau, Paecau, Peacau, and Piacau. Further variations are also present depending on regional dialects or the modernized version of a different spelling.
Other surnames that originate from Pekau are Barkau, Berkau, Bergau, Barkhausen, Parkau, Parkeisen, Parkhausen, Perlau, Perla, Peralo, Pierlau, and Perleau.
Pekau is a usually an occupational surname referring to a lake or pond dredger, someone who worked with ropes and pulleys to haul up the mud from a lake’s bottom in order to clean it out. The name is believed to originate from the German word “pek,” which referred to suckers used in this process.
The origin of the Pekau family is believed to date back to the 12th century Prussian and Germanic tribes in what is today's central and eastern Europe. During this period, the name was spread across the Continent, and it can be found in nearly all German-speaking countries and regions.
The spelling of the surname has changed over the past decades, as some immigrants spelling the name phonetically when arriving in different countries.
Today, the Pekau surname is most common in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but members of the family can be found in other parts of the world as well.
Famous people with the name Pekau
- Vasu Pekau: Indian actor, photographer, and filmmaker
- Walt Pekau: American politician and business executive
- Bill Pekau: American politician, former mayor of the village of Orland Park, Illinois
- Dave Pekau: American entrepreneur, journalist, and philanthropist
- Julie Pekau: American songwriter and composer
- John Pekau: American computer programmer and internet entrepreneur
- Sam Pekau: American attorney and politician
- Jack Pekau: American former football coach
- Lee Pekau: American former basketball coach
- Anja Pekau: German Olympic javelin thrower