Surname Erkelenz - Meaning and Origin

Erkelenz: What does the surname Erkelenz mean?

The last name 'Erkelenz' is a noble surname that originated in Germany. It is derived from the name of a village known as Erkelenz, which is a small town in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Erkelenz is derived from the Latin word Erculinensis, meaning a man from Erculinum. Erculinum is a place name from the Roman Empire which can be translated to mean 'place of ercules' and is believed to refer to a god of mythological proportions, Ercules.

The village of Erkelenz has been around since at least the 12th century. It is thought that the original settlers of the village, and the first Erkelenz families, were from northern Germany or the Netherlands. The earliest recorded use of the surname dates back to 1651, when Albert Erkelenz was mentioned in a document.

Throughout the centuries, the Erkelenz family name spread through Europe as people immigrated, married, and had children.

Today, Erkelenz is a popular surname in Germany. It is also common in other parts of the world where German emigration occurred. People with the Erkelenz surname tend to show pride in their heritage and often mark the town name on the back of their cars or in their homes.

Erkelenz: Where does the name Erkelenz come from?

The last name Erkelenz is primarily found in Germany. It is established in the North Rhine-Westphalia state, particularly in the region north of Duesseldorf. It is also seen in surrounding regions such as eastern Belgium and the Netherlands, and in Lower Saxony.

Erkelenz is a popular surname in the area due to its ancient history. It was first recorded in the records of the Abbey of Prüm in the Rhineland, which is mentioned in the donation of the Pancole estate by the Count of Cleve in 939.

Due to Erkelenz' regional popularity, many families from around the area have moved to the region for work or raising a family, thus increasing the population of Erkelenz-surnamed people. Additionally, there are several people with the Erkelenz surname emigrated and now living in countries around the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Mexico.

Today, the Erkelenz family is respected and renowned in the area. Erkelens-Nordstrasse is a street in Meerbusch, Germany that pays homage to their legacy. In Prüm, there is a memorial honoring the Erkelenz family for their contributions to local society. As such, the Erkelenz name lives on today, in both Germany and beyond its borders.

Variations of the surname Erkelenz

Erkelenz is a German surname derived from the first name Erken, which originates from the Old German word 'ercon' meaning “bold”.

Variants of the spelling of Erkelenz include Erkelens, Erck and Erken.

Common surnames derived from the same origin as Erkelenz are Ercken, Erckens, Erkenbrecher, Erkens, Erker, Erickson, and Irwin.

The Dutch given name Erken, from which the Erkelenz surname derives, is a common surname in the Netherlands and Belgium. Surnames derived from Erken include Erckmans, Erkens, Emir, Erremans, Erremers, Ermers, Ermens, Irmschen, Irmchen, Ermchen, Errens, and Erkendijk.

In Scotland, variants of the Erkelenz surname include Erken, Arkenehelt and Arkeneholt.

In Scandinavia, variants of the Erkelenz surname include Erkleren, Erkelson, and Erklewsön.

Other variants of the Erkelenz surname include Erklendz, Erkendz, Erkenhaz, Erkenheintz, Erkenscheid, Erkenzig, Erkenship, Erkenvoord, Erken and Erenz.

Famous people with the name Erkelenz

• Sophie Erkelenz, German journalist and writer
• Peter Erkelenz, German politician
• Ute-Henriette Erkelenz, German sailing coach and sports administrator
• Michael Erkelenz, German-born American entrepreneur and environmentalist
• Christine Erkelenz, German Olympic sailor
• Erich Erkelenz, German ski mountaineer and cross-country skier
• Gisbert Erkelenz, German Professor of Church and Canon Law
• Eberhard Erkelenz, German Professor Emeritus of Social and Educational Sciences
• Christel Erkelenz, German historian and librarian
• Frank Erkelenz, German film-maker and screenwriter
• Jürgen Erkelenz, German mathematician and professor
• Herman Erkelenz, German Jesuit theologian and author
• Wolfgang Erkelenz, German entrepreneur and financial advisor
• Jutta Erkelenz, German landscape architect and urban planner
• Wilhelm Erkelenz, German actor and television presenter

Other surnames

Erkelentz