Surname Laemke - Meaning and Origin
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Laemke: What does the surname Laemke mean?
The surname Laemke originates from German-speaking parts of both Germany and Austria. The name itself comes from the German word 'leim', which can mean either 'pitch' or 'glue'. This indicates that the name likely comes from a trade that dealt in pitch or glue, such as a caulk-maker. It is likely then that people in this profession adopted the name in order to differentiate themselves from others in their trade.
The earliest mention of the Laemke surname comes from 14th century Austria, where it was the name of a brewer with property in Vienna. Records indicate that there were several generations of Laemkes that lived in Austria through the 19th century.
The surname then spread to neighboring German-speaking parts of Germany, and by the early 20th century, families of the same name could be found in the Prussian provinces of East Prussia and Silesia. In 1921, the name Laemke was first registered in Hamburg.
Today, the Laemke surname can be found across Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Belarus, and Russia. Though some Laemkes may now be found in the United States and Canada, the origin of this surname remains firmly planted in the central European region from which it is believed to have originated.
Order DNA origin analysisLaemke: Where does the name Laemke come from?
The last name Laemke is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries, such as Austria and Switzerland. In particular, the name is concentrated in East Prussian areas such as East Prussia and Pomerania which are now in Germany, Poland, and Russia.
Laemke is believed to have first appeared during the medieval period in what was then Germany. It is likely derived from the German word “laemm,” which means “pine tree.” Some believe the name was originally an occupational name for a person who owned or operated a pine tree plantation, while others believe it may have indicated someone who lived in a region where pine trees were plentiful.
Today, the last name Laemke is still common in Germany and other German-speaking countries, but it is by no means exclusive to those regions. In the United States, for example, it is found in every state, especially in Utah, California, and Wisconsin. It is also found in parts of Canada, especially in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
In all regions, Laemke is a relatively rare last name, with fewer than 20,000 people around the world estimated to bear it.
Variations of the surname Laemke
Laemke is a surname found predominately in Germany, originally derived from Middle High German and derived from the German term läme meaning a narrow channel between bodies of water or a drainage ditch. Variations of Laemke include Lämke, Laemcke, Laemcken, Laemeker, Laemekers, Laemeken, Lamke, Lämken, Lämchen, Lamcke, Lemke and Lemcken.
In other countries, Laemke may be found as later anglicized versions such as Lambka, Lamke and Lakme. This name is also used in Slavic countries and is translated into the Cyrillic alphabet as Ламке.
In the United States, it may also be found spelled as Lamke, Lemke or Lemcke. In England, the spelling may be anglicized to Lemken or Lemcken.
Due to its German roots, Laemke is closely associated with the German language, and so pronunciation and spelling will vary slightly depending on locality and native language. For example, in the northern region of Germany it may be pronounced lahm-kuh or lavm-kuh, whereas in the southern region would be pronounced lah-m-keh or lav-m-keh.
In regards to origins, Laemke frequently originated from the word 'Läm', which roughly translates to a narrow ditch between body's of water. This would suggest that those bearing the Laemke surname in the past could have been dwellers of these areas, often having some sort of profession or role related to water.
Famous people with the name Laemke
- Matt Laemke: Professional Basketball Player who is currently playing in the German Basketball Bundesliga for Eisbaren Bremerhaven.
- Mark Laemke: Retired Italian Professional Basketball Player who played in the Italian LegA Basket Serie A in the 2000s.
- Steve Laemke: Well-known American TV producer who is the recipient of multiple Emmy Awards for his work on hit TV shows such as ER and Law & Order.
- Tom Laemke: Canadian actor who is best known for his roles in the popular series Slings and Arrows and Orphan Black.
- Adam Laemke: Professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League.
- Chris Laemke: Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter who has competed in multiple organizations, including Bellator Fighting Championships.
- Derek Laemke: American singer-songwriter and producer who has written and produced music for many popular artists, including Beyonce and Lady Gaga.
- Katherine Laemke: Internationally renowned Brazilian fashion model who has been featured in numerous magazines and advertisements.
- Jason Laemke: Award-winning American architect who has designed a wide variety of buildings, including the Trump Tower in Chicago.