Surname Frerkes - Meaning and Origin
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Frerkes: What does the surname Frerkes mean?
The last name Frerkes is of German origin, and is derived from the given name Freerk. In the Middle Ages, the name was popular in northern Germany and the Netherlands. The name Freerk is derived from the Germanic word "fridu", meaning "peace". The surname Frerkes is found among families who are of German or Dutch ancestry.
Historically, Frerkes were known as leaders and members of the noble class. In many instances, they were members of the signet of the Holy Roman Empire, and served as knights and soldiers to protect the borderlands. In the Middle Ages, members of the Frerkes family held various offices in the region, including steward, messenger, tax collector.
As a name in modern times, Frerkes is fairly uncommon. However, those who bear the name are proud of their distinct heritage and identity, which has been passed down through the generations. The Frerkes family continues to be committed to protecting and promoting peace and good will.
Order DNA origin analysisFrerkes: Where does the name Frerkes come from?
The Frerkes surname is a German name present in both Germany and the United States. Today, it is primarily found in the German states of Brandenburg, Berlin, Thüringen, and Saxony. The name has existed in Germany for centuries dating back to at least the 16th century.
In the United States, the Frerkes surname is relatively uncommon. According to the 2018 US census, there were just nine individuals surnamed Frerkes living in the country at the time. All of them were concentrated in three states: Ohio, Missouri, and Texas. The vast majority of these individuals (seven people) were concentrated in Missouri.
In addition, a small number of people with the Frerkes surname are present in Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico. In general, however, the Frerkes surname is much more common in Germany than it is in the rest of the world.
Nevertheless, the Frerkes surname has been carried by individuals throughout the centuries and continues to be present today. Its precise origin is unknown, but it is likely derived from Früherke, an old German word meaning “early” or “soon”.
Variations of the surname Frerkes
The surname Frerkes is of German origin and is also spelled Freerkes, Frerks, Freerks, Frierks, Friarke and Frerkie. The variants of the surname Frerkes share a common root.
The Frerkes surname is derived from the Middle High German word Fririks, meaning "brave ruler." An individual with this surname likely possessed qualities of bravery, leadership, and authority. The surname Frerkes is found in records as early as the 17th century, when a Freerks was mentioned in Uthlede in 1622.
Locations in Germany with the highest density of individuals carrying the Frerkes surname include the regions of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin, and Saxony. It is possible the surname Frerkes was spread further by German emigrants during the 19th century as many people left Germany during this time due to poverty and overpopulation.
As a result of the many variations and spellings of the surname Frerkes present in German records, it is not easy to determine who originally held this surname. However, all of the variants of the Frerkes surname do share a common root and are likely derived from the German word Fririks. Thus, individuals with the surname Frerkes, Freerkes, Frerks, Freerks, Frierks, Friarke, and Frerkie can understand they share a common ancestral origin and the same qualities of bravery and authority.
Famous people with the name Frerkes
- Melissa Frerkes: Melissa Frerkes is an American actress best known for her roles in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, where she played Lt Lois Einhorn, and Beverly Hills Cop II.
- Kristoff Frerkes: Kristoff Frerkes is an American actor, best known for his roles in Star Trek Beyond, Love & Mercy, and The Wolverine.
- Lucas Frerkes: Lucas Frerkes is an American television writer and producer best known for writing episodes of American Horror Story, The Good Place, and The Walking Dead.
- Frank Frerkes: Frank Frerkes is an Australian rugby league player who plays for the New South Wales Blues in the State of Origin.
- Diana Frerkes: Diana Frerkes is a Canadian field hockey player who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
- Ferenc Frerkes: Ferenc Frerkes was a Hungarian Olympic swimmer, who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- Rick Frerkes: Rick Frerkes is an American motorcycle racer and mountain bike builder, best known for his top level achievements in motocross and enduro racing.
- Alexander Frerkes: Alexander Frerkes is a German conductor best known for his collaborations with various orchestras, such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, and the Berlin Philharmonic.
- Lior Frerkes: Lior Frerkes is an Israeli-born technology entrepreneur and investor, best known for founding the medical device company Masimo.
- Katherine Frerkes: Katherine Frerkes is an American figure skater, representing the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.