Surname Hemkes - Meaning and Origin
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Hemkes: What does the surname Hemkes mean?
The last name Hemkes has German and Dutch origins and means “woods”. This likely comes from the old High German word “Hemm” which is a name for an enclosed area of woodland.
The Hemkes surname can also be traced to the Germanic given name Heimo, or in the Dutch it is spelled “Heemke”. This was a common given name which evolved over time to Hemke or Hemkes.
In some cases, the use of the name Hemkes might indicate a family ancestry that has lived in or near woodlands, or woods. It might also signify a family that had interacted in some way with forestry.
The name could also indicate a link to the woodworking trade. This was a craft that was essential to many German and Dutch societies and was taught and passed down for generations.
Throughout much of Europe, the Hemkes name has been associated with an outdoor lifestyle and is still used today to refer to woodworkers, forestry workers, lumberjacks, foresters, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Hemkes surname is popular in German and Dutch speaking countries, but the meaning may also be connected to people living in non-Germanic countries who adopted the name due to its popularity or as a result of immigration.
Order DNA origin analysisHemkes: Where does the name Hemkes come from?
The last name Hemkes is most commonly found in the Netherlands and Germany. In the Netherlands, it is most common in the North Holland and Friesland regions, while in Germany it is most common in the Lower Saxony and Rhineland Palatine regions. According to the Netherlands Institute for Scientific Information Services, there are currently roughly 7,000 people with the surname Hemkes in the country.
In Germany, the last name is fairly widespread and is present in most regions of the country. According to German census records, the total population of Hemkes in the country is over 23,000.
The name is also found in other locations, particularly in Europe. There are Hemkes living in England, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In the United States, the name is much less common, but can be found in some of the larger cities and metropolitan areas.
The historical origin of the name Hemkes has been found to go as far back as the 16th century. It is believed to have originated in the Dutch province of Zeeland. The name is a variation of the name “Hemke,” which is of Old German origin and means “anxious” or “bold.”
Variations of the surname Hemkes
The surname Hemkes originates from the Dutch language and there are several variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin.
The most common variant of this surname is Hemke, which is the original spelling in Dutch. This spelling has also been seen as Hemmelke, Hemmelken, Hemkes, Henneman, Henmecker, Hemmeler, Henmeker, Hennen, Hemmecke, and Hemmeke.
The surname Hemke is of patronymic origin, meaning that it is derived from the father’s given name. These were common among the Dutch, who were known to adopt surnames from the father’s name. Hemke, in particular, is derived from the German name Hennemann, meaning "Hen’s man".
The surname Hemkes is a variant and has been seen as Hennings, Hemkens, Hemmes, Hemmeske, Hemks, Henken, Henkes, Henks, Henckens, and Henkse.
It's also possible to find related surnames such as Henkenhaf, Hemmick, and Hennekam.
Many people with this surname are found in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States. No matter which variant or spelling is used, the surname Hemkes has its roots in the Dutch language and is linked to the name Hennemann.
Famous people with the name Hemkes
- Chris Hemkes: a German footballer known for his exploits while playing for the FC St. Pauli club of the 2nd Bundesliga.
- Hal Hemkes: a philanthropist and philanthropic investor, he is the founder and president of the Hemkes Foundation, which provides educational scholarships and resources to disadvantaged youth and families.
- Hans Hemkes: a Dutch painter famous for his landscapes and portraits.
- Marcus Hemkes: a Dutch actor who appeared in Dutch television series such as Gooische Vrouwen, Flikken Maastricht, and Spangas.
- Tina Hemkes: a Dutch actress who is known for her roles in various Dutch films and television series.
- William Hemkes: a Dutch poet, playwright, and artist. He is credited with introducing surrealism and modernist aesthetics to Dutch literature.
- Willem Hemkes: a Dutch composer who wrote choral works, symphonies, chamber works, and opera's for which he won numerous awards.
- Paul Hemkes: a Dutch director and producer who has worked on a variety of films, television, and documentary projects.
- Isolde Hemkes: a Dutch sculptor and multimedia artist whose work has been exhibited throughout Europe.
- Astrid Hemkes: a Dutch television and film actress, singer, and songwriter. She is best known for starring in Dutch television shows such as GTST and Lipdub.