Surname Kirke - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kirke: What does the surname Kirke mean?
Kirke is a surname of Scandinavian origin, and it literally translates to "church" in Danish and Norwegian languages. It is derived from Old Norse 'kirkja', an early borrowing from the Old English 'cirice' which denotes a place of Christian worship. In addition to its use as a surname, there have been several places named 'Kirke' in Norway and Denmark, indicative of a nearby church. By extension, the surname Kirke may have been used to denote someone who lived by a church or who worked in or for the church. It is also commonly used as a first name, particulary in Norway. The surname has also seen prevalent usage in the United Kingdom, largely due to Scandinavian influence. Notable people with this surname include actress Jemima Kirke and musician Lola Kirke.
Order DNA origin analysisKirke: Where does the name Kirke come from?
The last name Kirke is of Norwegian origin and it means "church" in Norwegian. This surname was likely derived from someone who lived near a church or worked in a church, and is a topographic surname. It has Scandinavian roots, specifically from Norway and Denmark. Despite its Scandinavian origins, the surname can be found in various corners of the world mainly due to migration and inter-marriage among different cultures and races. However, it is most common today in England, Norway, and Denmark. England has a significant number due to historic links between Britain and Scandinavia, particularly through the Viking and Norman invasions. The name may also be found in Northern Ireland due to Irish emigration. In addition, the surname is present in the United States, again predominantly from Scandinavian and British immigration. It's important to note that the frequency of the surname Kirke can vary and it might not be prevalent in these areas as much as it once was.
Variations of the surname Kirke
The surname Kirke is of Norse origin and has several variants and similar surnames originating from the same root. The name traces back to Old Norse kirkja, meaning "church," pointing towards a family that lived near or had some connection with a church.
Variations of the name Kirke include Kirk, Kyrke, Kirkman, Kirkham, and Kirkeby or Kirkby. There are also spellings that stem from geographical derivations, such as Kirkland, Kirkwood, and Kirkhouse.
In the Scandinavian countries, the surname can be found as Kyrkje in Norway, or Kyrka in Sweden. They are the local variants for "church".
There could also be a clan or sept related to the surname, such as the Scottish Clan Kirkpatrick, which has the common surname Kirk as a sept.
Kirke is not very common as a first name, however, it is occasionally used and can be found with variants such as Kirk or Kyrk.
Please note that while these surnames may have originated from the same root, each has its own history and geographical distribution, and may not always signify familial relations among bearers.
Famous people with the name Kirke
- Lena Kirke: Emmy Award-nominated American actress best known for her roles in Girls and The Affair.
- Gemma Kirke: English actress and sister of Lena Kirke; best known for her role in the HBO miniseries Girls.
- Roy Kirke: British actor known for roles in Coronation Street and A Touch of Frost.
- David Kirke: English adventurer and privateer; invaded Canada in 1628 and was awarded two regions of Canada and Newfoundland which was part of the Treaty of St-Germain-en-Laye.
- Pippa Kirke: English actress and daughter of Gemma Kirke; known for her role in the television series White Gold.
- Carly Simon: American singer-songwriter; daughter of Richard and Andrea Simon and sister of Lucy Kirke.
- Lucy Kirke: English actress and daughter of Richard and Andrea Simon; known for roles in Uncle Buck and Bram Stoker's Dracula.
- Jack Kirke: British film, theatre, and television actor; has appeared in many television shows and films, including Father Brown and The Musketeers.
- Richard Kirke: British actor and son of Gemma Kirke; known for his roles in Captain America: The First Avenger and The Alienist.
- Tiffani-Amber Kirke: American actress and daughter of Gemma Kirke; best known for her role in the television series The Mindy Project.