Surname Anker - Meaning and Origin
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Anker: What does the surname Anker mean?
The last name Anker is of German and Scandinavian origin, derived from the word "anker", meaning anchor. It is thought to have been initially used as a nickname for a strong, stable, and reliable person. Over time, it became a surname for the family that it was associated with.
Anker is a surname that often connotes stability, reliability, and strength. This is an especially meaningful name for those with German and Scandinavian lineage, due to its traditional usage. It is also reflective of its literal meaning as an anchor, an object that is used to keep different ships or objects in place and safe from harm or instability.
Anker can also be seen as a strong symbol of connections between family, friends, and bigger groups. A strong anchor connects ships and objects from all directions, firmly rooting them together even through turbulent waters. This connection is something one can strive to keep and symbolize in their life.
The Anker surname is a unique one, meaningful not only to those with German and Scandinavian ancestry, but to anyone looking for a symbol of stability, strength, and connection in their life.
Order DNA origin analysisAnker: Where does the name Anker come from?
The last name Anker is most commonly found among German-speaking populations,particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also found in parts of Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. In the United States, the surname Anker is associated with German immigrants who settled in the Midwestern and Northeastern regions. Records show that the earliest Anker immigration to the US took place in the late 1700s. In the 1800s, many Ankers from Prussia and other parts of Germany, as well as from Scandinavia, moved to the US in search of better opportunities. Throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century, the largest influx of Ankers was mainly concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast. According to the US Census Bureau, Anker remains a fairly common surname in the US, ranking in the top 15,000 surnames in the US. While the last name Anker typically has Germanic roots, it is worth noting that records show that some Ankers in the US may be of Jewish ancestry based on immigration records from the early 1900s.
Variations of the surname Anker
The surname Anker has several variants, spellings, and surnames. These include Anckar, Ankor, Ancker, Ankrah, Ancient, Ancona, Ancore, Angor, Ankarman, Angels, Ankerman, Angers, Anclar, Annot, Ancar, Ancall, Angkor, Angkund, Ancop, Anchor, Onkor, Unkor, Anckorn, Anckom, Ancrom, Anchorn, Enger, Anhalt, Angerman, Ancken, Anchur, Uncor, Ankarborg, Anchors, Anguiano, Anninger, Anstey, Anctil, Onkar, and Anklam.
The surname Anker is of Germanic origin and has several different spellings in various countries. In the United Kingdom, spellings include Anker and Anker Sour, while in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Norway, it is typically spelled as Ancker. The Italian variant, Ancona, is popular in Italy, while Ancken is the spelling used in the Netherlands. The Spanish spelling, Ancrom, is also popular.
The surnames Angels, Angers, and Anhalt, are variants of Anker, and are derived from the Germanic names Angel and Angelus, meaning “angel” or “messenger”. These may have been adopted by Anker descendants who were regarded as an angelic messenger.
Anksor, Anckorn, Anchor, and Anchur, are variants of Anker and all have the same origin. These are derived from Old Dutch and Old German words meaning “anchor” or “to anchor”, making this surname perfect for someone who would need to sit anchor in port or fishing grounds.
The surname Ankarborg is of Danish origin and is derived from the Old Danish word “anker” meaning “ring, derrick, hook, anchor”. This was given to someone who specialized in the construction of anchors, derricks, and hooks.
Finally, Annot is a unique variant of Anker, and is derived from Old Germanic words meaning “warrior”, which suggests that the original owner may have been a warrior-like figure.
In conclusion, the surname Anker has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These all have unique meanings and origins, and tell stories about the family’s past.
Famous people with the name Anker
- Claus Anker, Danish painter
- Amalie Anker-Møller, Danish writer
- Thomas Anker, Norwegian politician
- Pavla Anker, Swedish actress
- Epsen Anker, Danish actor
- Kurt Anker Nielsen, Danish wine merchant
- Ane Anker, Danish swimmer
- Jesper Anker, Danish photographer
- Jacob Anker Wibe, Norwegian businessman
- Inge Anker, Danish tennis player