Surname Benthake - Meaning and Origin

Benthake: What does the surname Benthake mean?

The last name Benthake (or Benthacke) is German in origin. It can be found most commonly in the Northern parts of Germany and is believed to have first originated from the Holland region in the Netherlands. It is thought to derive from a personal name, of which the elements are “benn” and “hake”. “Benn” is derived from the Old German word bannari, which was a title for an area leader or administrator. “Hake” comes from the Old High German word haka, meaning “hedge” or “enclosure”. Combined, Benthake might mean something to the effect of “administrator of an enclosure”, suggesting that the first bearers of this name may have held administrative roles in relation to land.

In terms of variants, Benthake may appear in the form of Benthacke, Benthack, Bendthacke and Benthacken. It may also be linked to the Dutch surnames Benthack and Benthagen, as well as the Slavic surname Bętkowska.

In modern day Germany, the Benthake surname is still found mainly in Northern Germany and may be linked to the same area where the name first originated. It is also seen in the United States, Australia, Canada and other countries, showing how far the name has spread over time.

Benthake: Where does the name Benthake come from?

The last name Benthake is a relatively uncommon surname. Its origins are likely rooted in Saxony, Germany, where it is still found in modern times. In Germany, the Benthake name is found largely in the northwestern region of the Lower Saxony and the Westphalian state. The name is also found in the Netherlands, primarily in the country's western regions.

Benthake has been found in North America since at least the late 19th century. In the United States, there are largest concentrations of the name in the state of Michigan and the Midwestern states of Iowa and Illinois. Additionally, it is more commonly found in states with larger German populations, such as Minnesota and Nebraska.

Canada has a smattering of Benthake individuals scattered across the country's provinces with its largest concentration located in the province of Alberta. In the United Kingdom, there is a noticeable presence of Benthake individuals in the eastern counties of England.

The rest of Europe holds a handful of Benthake individuals, primarily located in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Switzerland. Lastly, smaller populations of Benthake individuals can be found in other countries, such as Australia and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Benthake

The surname Benthake is believed to have originated in Germany. There are several variants, spellings, and surnames derived from the original name. The most common variants are Benthacke, Bentacke, and Benthack. These spellings are all phonetic variants of the original name and appear on records from the 18th century onward.

Similar surnames that are of the same origin include Benthalke, Benthakel, and Benthaeck. These surnames evolved from the original spelling and are sometimes encountered in records from the 18th century.

Variant spellings may also appear in records from other countries as a result of emigration. For example, Bentach and Bentache are variants that are found on some Spanish records. Other variants include Bintah, Bintac, and Benthacken.

It should be noted that spelling and surnames can vary across countries and histories. As such, it is important to use available genealogical search tools to find all possible variants of the surname. This makes it easier to accurately trace family lines.

Famous people with the name Benthake

• Curt Benthake: A German actor known for his TV appearances in productions such as Doctor's Diary, Tatort and Crossing Jordan.
• Carl Benthake: A German art historian and museum director who was the first director of the Halle Museum of Prehistory and Early History.
• Günter Benthake: a German journalist and university lecturer who worked as a reporter for the German TV show Die Sendung mit der Maus (The Show with the Mouse).
• Andreas Benthake: a German designer known for his art pieces, furniture and logos.
• Margaret Benthake: an American photographer whose works include collections of prints, books and portfolios.
• Anna Benthake: a German singer and songwriter who has released two albums and is known for her psychedelic electro-pop sound.
• Uwe Benthake: a German boxing champion who was the light-middleweight world champion from 1976 to 1978.
• Johanna Benthake: a German actress known for her roles in the German Mussolini movies and appearances in other TV shows like Kripo Holstein and The Trip.
• Lutz Benthake: a German journalist and author who has published several books about German history.
• Helga Benthake: a German Olympic fencer who won a bronze medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Other surnames

BenthaackBenthaak