Surname Henkemeyer - Meaning and Origin

Henkemeyer: What does the surname Henkemeyer mean?

The surname Henkemeyer is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German language, although the precise literal translation of the name is not known. The earliest known form of this surname is Hankemeiere, meaning “maker of hand-hammers” or “hand worker.” The name was most likely given to those who worked as blacksmiths or armorers, making weapons and armor for European nobility and warriors. The name became prominent in the area of what is now known as Lower Saxony, Germany.

Today, the surname is still most commonly found in Germany, as well as some surrounding European countries. Individuals with this surname are most likely descended from those early German settlers. The name Henkemeyer may have been of some aristocratic origin, as a number of members of the Hankemeyer (Henkemeyer) family have been distinguished in the fields of politics, religion and science in the past few centuries.

Henkemeyer is an interesting surname which holds a lot of history and significance. Anyone with this last name could trace their ancestry, research their history and learn more about the origins of this surname; a true mark of their heritage.

Henkemeyer: Where does the name Henkemeyer come from?

The last name Henkemeyer is most commonly found in the American Midwest and parts of Northern and Central Europe. In the United States, the name is highest in population in states such as Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. In Europe, the name is most common in northern Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium.

Within Germany, Henkemeyer is found in the most concentrations in the states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Records show that the name Henkemeyer first appeared in Lower Saxony in the 13th century. It has been passed down through the generations in this area and today, many descendants still reside in and around the region.

The areas with the highest populations of Henkemeyer are also the areas where many descendants of the family originally lived. The United States is a popular destination for descendants of the Henkemeyer family who have since emigrated to the States.

In the United States, the name is most common in areas with large German-American populations such as Iowa, Wisconsin, Delavan County in Minnesota, and northern Illinois. In Europe, the name is most common in the regions of northern Germany.

Overall, the last name Henkemeyer is most commonly found in the American Midwest and parts of Northern and Central Europe.

Variations of the surname Henkemeyer

Henkemeyer is one of the many German and Dutch surnames descending from a common ancestor whose name was Hendric or Heinrich. It is thought to have its origins in medieval times when Hendric and Heinrich were popular given names. There are two main variants of this surname, Henkemyer and Hankamer. Henkemyer is the most common spelling, and is derived from the Dutch language root 'Hendric'. It is most commonly found in Germany and Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium. Hankamer is a more rare variant, found mainly in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, and it is believed to have come from a corruption of Henkemyer over many generations.

In Germany, Henkemeyer is sometimes spelled Henkemeyer, Hank enforce, or Henckenmüller. In Dutch-speaking areas, it is occasionally seen as Henkenmeijer, Henkenmeyer, Henkenmijer, and Henkenmyer. In the United States, besides Hankamer, there are variants such as Hankammer, Hankom, Hankommer, Hank é Mier, Henkemyer, and Henkamer. In Australia and New Zealand, it is typically spelled as Henckemeyer, Hinkemeyer, Hinckmeyer, and Henckmeyer.

In Britain, the Scottish variation on this surname is Hinkley and the English version is Henkley. While derived from a common ancestor, these surnames do not have the same spelling or pronunciation as Henkemeyer.

The Henkemeyer name has a long history and is still found in many parts of the world today. Its many variations and spellings are a testament to the impact of migration and the diverse languages of the countries where it is found.

Famous people with the name Henkemeyer

• Lisbeth Henkemeyer: Nordic biathlete who represented Norway at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Games.
• Dustin Henkemeyer: American professional basketball player.
• Ken Henkemeyer: former American professional baseball pitcher.
• Bill Henkemeyer: former professional baseball player who played in the minor leagues and the Mexican League.
• Jacob Henkemeyer: the 2006 Minnesota Mr. Basketball who helped lead his team to the state tournament.
• Paul Henkemeyer: professional basketball coach who has served as the head coach of several college basketball teams.
• John Henkemeyer: former professional baseball pitcher, who made his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1901.
• Vince Henkemeyer: former professional American football player who played in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers.
• Charles Henkemeyer: former professional baseball player who played for the St. Louis Browns in 1933.
• Harrison Henkemeyer: former Olympic rower who was a member of the US eight-oared crew that won the gold medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.

Other surnames

Henkemeier