Surname Hänscke - Meaning and Origin
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Hänscke: What does the surname Hänscke mean?
The last name Hänscke is primarily found in German-speaking countries and is thought to be a variant spelling of the German name Hanske.
The surname is an occupational name derived from the Old German word “hanske”, which means glove maker or seller. During the Middle Ages, it was often used to refer to those who made or sold gloves or gauntlets, a type of armor. Back then, most surnames were created because of someone’s occupation.
Hänscke is also a patronymic name, referring to the father of the original bearer. In this case, it likely indicates that the original bearer’s father was named Hans, thus his last name became a variant spelling of Hanske.
Today, the Hänscke surname may be found scattered throughout Germany, Poland, and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe with large populations of German or Polish descent.
The Hänscke surname likely has a long and rich family history. With the help of genealogists, family historians, and other resources, the stories of those who bore the name Hänscke can be uncovered and rediscovered over time.
Order DNA origin analysisHänscke: Where does the name Hänscke come from?
The last name Hänscke is most common today in Germany and Poland. In Germany, records indicate that the name is most widespread in the states of Brandenburg, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt. In Brandenburg, it is the 263rd most common name.
In Poland, the name is most commonly found in eastern parts of the country, particularly the Warmian-Masurian, Lesser Poland, and Silesian voivodeships. Records from 2017 placed the Hänscke name as the 1162nd most popular last name in Poland.
The surname Hänscke is believed to have originated in Brandenburg, where it was used as a variant of the ancient Germanic personal name "Hans." It is thought to have spread both eastward to Poland and westward to other European regions. It is also thought that the name was probably adopted by immigrants in other countries such as the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In the United States, records from the census bureau show that the name is most common in the state of Pennsylvania, although it is represented in all 50 states. Today, it is also found in several other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil.
Variations of the surname Hänscke
Hänscke is a German surname of medieval origins. It is also spelled "Haenscke", "Hencke", "Henscke", "Hinscke", "Henske", "Hanske", "Haunske" and "Haenske". There are numerous regional and international variants of the same origin including: Hanss, Hens, Haens, Hasse, Hensen, Hins, Haunts, Hauns, Haunz and Hains.
The earliest evidence of the surname dates back to the 14th century, when records show the birth of Heinricus Hencke and Hencke, who was born in the year 1373.
There are several regional spellings of the surname, associated with certain parts of Germany. For example, in the province of Prussia, alongside alternate spellings “Haenscke” and “Hinscke,” the form “Henske” is also used. The spellings “Henscke” and “Henske” are also recorded in the Prussian province.
In the Rhineland Palatinate region, various variants and spellings such as “Haunske,” “Hanske,” “Haunz,” “Haens,” “Hains,” “Hauske,” and “Haenske” are documented.
In Baden-Württemberg, records show a “Hanss” form of the surname. The “Hauske” spelling can also be recorded in this region. Meanwhile, in Bavaria, “Hensen,” “Haens,” “Hense,” and “Haens” spellings are documented.
In the Netherlands, along with the surnames “Hanske,” and “Haenske,” forms “Hens” and “Hense” are also recorded.
All these various spellings are used amongst different German-speaking families in Europe, typically to distinguish two different branches within the same family. Despite the range of different spellings and variants of the same origin, Hänscke is the most common spelling of the surname around the world.
Famous people with the name Hänscke
- Sven Hänscke: a German actor, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his film Brother of Sleep (1995).
- Christoph Hänscke: a former German professional footballer who played as a striker. He is currently the head coach of FV Biebrich 1919.
- Robert Hänscke: a German physicist and lawyer. He is a professor at Leipzig University and director of the Institute of Science and Law.
- Martin Hänscke: a former German gymnast who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He is the father of Christoph.
- Karin Hänscke: a German entrepreneur and television presenter. She is the former host of the show Kochshow on the RTL television network.
- Wilfried Hänscke: a former German rower who competed in the 1966 European Rowing Championships and the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
- Thorsten Hänscke: a German professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the DEL2 club EC Kassel Huskies.
- Daniel Hänscke: a German sculptor and visual artist. His works are displayed in various public institutions, including The State Gallery of Lower Saxony in Hanover.
- Wolfgang Hänscke: a German painter and sculptor who worked in the Expressionist and Figurative styles. His works can be found in public and private collections.
- Friedrich Hänscke: a German photographer and filmmaker. He is a professor at the University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf and the director of the International School of Film & Television in Madrid.