Surname Erlenkemper - Meaning and Origin
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Erlenkemper: What does the surname Erlenkemper mean?
The last name Erlenkemper is a German occupational surname. Derived from the Low German word 'erlenden', it is most likely an occupational name for a person who was in charge of the supply and transport of erlen (aspen/alderwood). This is because the name literally translates as 'Erlen (erl) keeper'. It is believed that the name most likely originated in Westphalian, in the hills of the Lower Rhine area and Sauerland.
The Erlenkemper family is an old and noble name that harks back to the Middle Ages. It first appears in records in the 16th Century, and was a powerful family whose members held many prestigious positions in society. Examples include scientists, inventors, and warriors.
The Erlenkemper name is still common across Germany today, with most people living in cities such as Dusseldorf, Cologne, or Berlin. While some members of the family have immigrated to the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world, many still remain in Europe. Those who still bear the surname are proud of their heritage and roots, and often delight in exploring their family history.
Order DNA origin analysisErlenkemper: Where does the name Erlenkemper come from?
The last name Erlenkemper is most common today in the United States and Germany. In the US, the name is currently found in over 20 states, including California, Texas, New York, and Illinois. In Germany, the name is most common in the states of Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Bavaria.
The origin of the name Erlenkemper is not well documented but is believed to originate from the term "earthen kemper" or "Erlen prof", a type of clay pot used for storing food and drink in earlier times. The name was first used to refer to someone who made these vessels for a living or to distinguished families who owned them.
Given the paths Germans took when emigrating to America in the 19th Century, it’s likely that the name Erlenkemper was originally thought of in Germany before it made its way to the United States. It’s estimated that the first person to take the name Erlenkemper was a German immigrant who crossed to America in the mid-1800s and kept the last name for the remainder of his family.
Today, the name Erlenkemper is used by both the German and American-nationals, often misunderstood as a European-originated name. It’s estimated that around 4000 people currently bear the name Erlenkemper in both countries.
Variations of the surname Erlenkemper
The Erlenkemper surname has a number of variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. Some of the more common variants of this surname are Erlenkenpfer, Erlenkamp, Erlenkampf, Erlenkamper, Erlenkamper, Erlenkampf, Erlenkahl, Erlkemper, Erlkamp, and Erlkampf. Most of these variants originated in the areas around Germany, but some have spread to other countries, such as the United States and other parts of Europe.
The Erlenkemper surname could also come from other surnames that are related in their origin. For example, a variation of the name could be Erlenkampen, which is derived from the Middle High German words “erlen” and “kampen”, meaning “one who is knowledgeable in warfare”. Another variation of the name is Erlenkehn, which is derived from the Middle High German words “erlen” and “kehn”, meaning “one who is brave or courageous”.
In terms of the spelling of the Erlenkemper surname, it can also be found written as Erlenkampher, Erlenkenper, Erlenkenpfer, and Erlenkenkamper. All of these spellings are derived from the original Germanic spelling of Erlenkemper, but some are more commonly used than others.
The Erlenkemper surname is also linked to a number of other surnames derived from it. Some of these surnames include Erlenkanen, Erlenkahlen, Erlenkenpfen, Erlenkena, Erlenkehna, Erlenken, Erlenkeln, Erlenkelner, Erlenkempera, Erlenkenayer, and Erlkenkamper. While all of these surnames are derived from the same original source, some of them are more common than others.
Overall, the Erlenkemper surname has a number of variants, spellings, and other related surnames. Despite the variations in spelling and origin, the presence of this surname in many countries is a testament to its longevity.
Famous people with the name Erlenkemper
- Dylan Erlenkemper: a professional soccer player who plays for the LA Galaxy.
- Carmen Erlenkemper: a German actor known for various voice roles in animation films.
- Mark Erlenkemper: a contemporary artist whose works are exhibited in various museums and galleries around the world.
- Annalena Erlenkemper: a German politician and MEP for the Free Democratic Party.
- Joram Erlenkemper: an American composer and producer, specializing in scoring for TV shows, movies, and video games.
- Sienna Erlenkemper: a Hollywood actress known for her roles in the films “The Yank” and “Shut Up and Drive”.
- Uwe Erlenkemper: a German basketball player currently playing in the German Pro A League.
- Donald Erlenkemper: a renowned chef and restaurateur who has been running a number of successful restaurants across the US.
- John Erlenkemper: an award winning painter and sculptor who works in various mediums from oil paints to bronze and stone.
- Brian Erlenkemper: a popular rock musician from Texas, who has been performing for over 20 years.