Surname Behncke - Meaning and Origin

Behncke: What does the surname Behncke mean?

The last name Behncke is a Germanic name derived from the Middle Low German word "behnke". This word is derived from the Old High German word "banca", which has two meanings: "bank" or "beacon". Historically, the name was used to describe a family associated with banking or another business but it can also have religious significance, referring to a beacon of faith or a spiritual leader.

In modern day Germany, the surname Behncke is quite common and can be found in both rural and urban areas. It is also quite commonly found amongst households of German-descent in other countries around the world, especially in Latin America.

The Behncke surname carries with it a long standing tradition of dedication to the family craft. For many centuries, the Behncke family has held high-ranking positions in both government and business. The Behncke family had a hand in ushering in the German Empire into the international scene of the late 19th century, through politicians, business leaders and military officers.

Today, those who carry the Behncke name are proud of their heritage and continue to make their mark in society. Members of the Behncke family are known for their intelligence, ambition and enthusiasm to bring progress in their respective fields. Just as the Behncke surname has stood the test of time, it looks as though it is here to stay.

Behncke: Where does the name Behncke come from?

The last name Behncke is most commonly found in Germany today. According to a 2011 census, there were just over 28,000 individuals with the surname and it is the 425th most common last name in the country. Behncke is also found in the United States, Australia, and France, but to a lesser degree.

In Germany, Behncke is the most common in the state of Lower Saxony, but it can also be found in Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and other parts of the country. Those living in Germany with the Behncke surname may have ancestral ties to places such as Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

In the United States, the Behncke surname is the 1,856th most common last name according to the US census of 2010. The majority of individuals with this name live in California, Illinois, and New Jersey.

In Australia, the Behncke surname is most heavily represented in the state of New South Wales, though there are also individuals with the surname living in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.

Behncke is rare in France with only a few dozen individuals with the last name living in the entire country.

Overall, the last name Behncke is most commonly found in Germany, but there are still significant numbers of individuals with the surname in the United States, Australia, and France.

Variations of the surname Behncke

Behncke is a surname of Germanic origin, with variants commonly used in Germany and elsewhere. Variant surnames of the same origin include Behnke, Beenke, Beynke, and Beink.

In Germany, “c” and “k” are often used interchangeably, and the spelling of surnames often reflects this. Because of this, the variants Behncke and Behnke are both widely used in Germany. In Danish and other Nordic countries, Beenke is the preferred spelling. Beynke is an older, more traditional variation used in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania. Beink is also archaic and seen in the French provinces.

Behncke is a recognizable surname in many parts of Europe, and it is likely that if one is researching their ancestry, one will encounter a number of alternate spellings for the same surname. For instance, Beynk appears in records as the former spelling of “Behncke” in Germany.

Behncke is also a transliteration of the surname “Behnke”, which has been adopted by many ancestors of Germanic origin in the United States and Canada. But when researching the United States origin of this surname, keep in mind that the spelling is often simplified to just “Behnke” or even “Behn”. It is also commonly seen in records associated with the Bohms and Beem families of the Midwestern United States.

Knowledge of the various spellings and variants of Behncke can be a useful tool in uncovering family history and tracing the lineage. Variants and spellings can also provide clues about the ancestral origin of the surname. It is important to note, however, that the spelling of a surname is not fixed, and that changes often occur over time.

Famous people with the name Behncke

• Greg Behncke (Writer and Responsible Producer from Hollywood)
• Danielle Behncke (American Actress)
• Curt Behncke (Barista and Entrepreneur)
• Jenefer Behncke (Voice Actor and Singer)
• Justin Behncke (Fitness Professional and Personal Trainer)
• David Behncke (Executive Coach and Digital Strategist)
• Jason Behncke (Software Engineer)
• Matt Behncke (Pro Tennis Player)
• Kathryn Behncke (Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker)
• Irvin Behncke (Professional Golfer and Certified PGA Professional)
• Genevieve Behncke (Music Producer and Engineer)
• Chris Behncke (Culinary Expert and Food Stylist)
• Shauntee Behncke (Education Researcher and Educational Leadership Consultant)
• Katie Behncke (Philanthropist and Entrepreneur)
• Suzanne Behncke (Broadway Star and Award-Winning Performer)
• William Behncke (Author and Businessman)
• Josh Behncke (Professional Athlete and Fitness Model)
• Geoffrey Behncke (Aviation Historian and Award Winning Writer)
• Patrick Behncke (Guitar Player and Songwriter)
• Tom Behncke (Voice Artist and Radio Announcer)

Other surnames

BehnckBehncken