Surname Kerkenmeyer - Meaning and Origin

Kerkenmeyer: What does the surname Kerkenmeyer mean?

The last name Kerkenmeyer originates from Germany and is derived from an old German word meaning "watchmaker". The earliest records of this name can be traced back to the Rhineland region of Germany in the late 19th century. The name is most associated with the region around the city of Aachen, the former capital of Charlemagne’s Frankish Empire and is believed to have been used to denote someone who was in charge of maintaining the many clocks in the city’s churches.

In the present day, the last name Kerkenmeyer is still common in Germany and the surrounding countries, although it has also become common in the United States due to the influx of German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. People with the last name Kerkenmeyer are generally of German descent, and they were often clockmakers or jewelers.

Kerkenmeyer is a unique surname that reflects the city of Aachen’s long and proud history. It can be a source of pride for anyone who is related to someone bearing this memorable name.

Kerkenmeyer: Where does the name Kerkenmeyer come from?

The surname Kerkenmeyer is most commonly found in Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands. There are also occurrences of the name in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Some records also mention the name in England.

In the United States, the name is most prevalent in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. It is also quite common in western Canada.

The largest number of Kerkenmeyers in Germany are located in the North Rhine-Westphalia area. The Dutch spelling of the name is Kerkmeijer, and these people can be found in the Southern provinces of the country.

In addition to the Netherlands and Germany, the surname is also quite common in other European countries like Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain.

According to some records, the name has its roots in the Netherlands and Germany. Its origin can be traced back to the pre-medieval times when families were known to use the occupation of that person as their surname. The word “Kerkenmeyer” would have meant “church builder” or “church keeper” at the time.

Variations of the surname Kerkenmeyer

Kerkenmeyer is an uncommon Dutch surname derived from the kerk appellation, meaning ‘church’, and the suffix -meester, meaning ‘steward’ or ‘master’. It can be found in several variants, including Kerkmeester, Kerckmeester, Kerkman, Kerckman, Kerkhof, Kerkhofs, Kerkhove, Kerckhove, Kerckhofs, Kerkhofsz, Kerkman, Kerckmans, and Krackmeyer.

The most common spelling variant is Kerkmeester, composed of both the kerk and meester components. This spelling can also be found in records of Dutch colonial settlers in the United States, such as a Kerkmeester family from Nykertye, New York, in 1776.

Kerkman is another spelling variant, which belongs to a Dutch family that owned a famous art drawing company in 18th century Amsterdam. This company made copper engravings and is credited with influencing the style of Dutch painting during the 18th century.

Kerckhove is a variant spelling used by a Flemish family from Wevelgem that lived in Belgium in the 19th and 20th century.

Krachmeyer is a rare derivative of the Kerkenmeyer surname found in Germany. One individual Krachmeyer family originated in Poland during the 18th century and immigrated to Hamburg during the 19th century.

In summary, Kerkenmeyer is an uncommon Dutch surname with several spelling variations, including Kerkmeester, Kerkman, Kerckhove, and Krachmeyer. Each of the variants is linked to a particular geographic area and has its own historical context and family background.

Famous people with the name Kerkenmeyer

• Hope Kerkenmeyer: Singer and songwriter who is best known for her single, “Like a Dragonfly”
• Thomas Kerkenmeyer: German football coach and former footballer
• Frank Kerkenmeyer: Former American speed skater who won multiple medals during the 1990s
• Christopher Kerkenmeyer: Artist known for his Navajo-style rodeo paintings, also known for his documentary went entitled Mirage Men
• John C. Kerkenmeyer: Financial manager at Merck & Co. Inc.
• Richard Kerkenmeyer: Retired Rear Admiral of the U.S. Navy
• Paul Kerkenmeyer: German-American sculptor and painter
• Roger Kerkenmeyer: Organ builder from Germany
• Barry Kerkenmeyer: Professor of Accountancy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Ruth Kerkenmeyer: CEO of NoDowry India, a non-profit organization working to end child marriage

Other surnames

Kerkenmeier