Surname Meklenborg - Meaning and Origin

Meklenborg: What does the surname Meklenborg mean?

The last name Meklenborg originated in Northern Germany during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old German term ‘mechelen’, meaning ‘middle’ or ‘in the middle’, and ‘borg’, meaning ‘fortified place’. This suggests that the name was borne by someone who lived in or near a fortress or stronghold. It is also possible that the term 'Meklenborg' was adopted by families from other areas due to the popularity of its distinct sound.

The name Meklenborg is found mainly in the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, and North America. In some cases, the name has changed spelling over time, with the phonetically similar 'Macklenburg' being used in some regions.

Some possible origins of the name Meklenborg include being a status surname for a household of military or noble importance, or being an occupational surname for a staff member of a noble or military family.

Today, the name carries much significance for families of Meklenborg descent, as it serves to strengthen their bonds and remind them of their heritage. It is also an integral part of their family’s history, and serves as an important reminder of the hard work and perseverance that went into the founding of their community.

Meklenborg: Where does the name Meklenborg come from?

The last name Meklenborg is primarily found in the Netherlands, although it is also present in areas with Dutch emigration, such as Belgium, Germany and the United States. In the Netherlands, it is most common in the provinces of North Holland, Overijssel and Utrecht. There is evidence of the name being present in these regions in the 1800s.

The Meklenborg name is an occupational name deriving from the old Dutch word "mekelen" meaning to make hay, and the suffix "-borg" denoting a location, so the name translates to the location where hay was made. This suggests that the family originally owned or worked on a large farmland.

Meklenborg is also found as a first name in some areas such as Denmark, but the name remains most commonly found as a surname. Today, many of the original family lines have died out, but the name still exists in many parts of the world, and is even commonplace amongst some areas in the Netherlands.

Variations of the surname Meklenborg

Meklenborg is a Danish, Norwegian and Dutch surname with several variant spellings that can be used interchangeably depending on the country of origin.

The most widely used spellings are Meklenborg, Møklenborg and Meklemborg.

In Denmark, the most common spelling is Meklenborg. It originates from the first name Melckmecht, ultimately derived from the Latin name Melchiorem, meaning “the king”. Originally a patronymic surname, Melckmecht is formed from the elements melck (“king”) and mecht (“power”). The variants of this surname are Meklenborg, Møklenborg and Miklenborg.

In Norway the next most common spelling of Meklenborg is Møklenborg. It is a variant of the Danish spelling which is just a common spelling/dialect difference.

The last variant, Meklemborg, is the most common spelling in the Netherlands. It is possible that this variant originated in Holland and was later adopted in Denmark and Norway.

In various other countries, including the United States, Meklenborg can also be spelt Mecklenburg, which is a popular Anglicized spelling. This is also a patronymic surname in its own right; Melckmecht being the original source.

Thus, whichever spelling variation used, Meklenborg is ultimately a Danish, Norwegian, Dutch and American patronymic surname that means “the king's power”.

Famous people with the name Meklenborg

• Emil Moecklenborg: German architect and stage designer.
• Günther Moecklenborg: German professional football player.
• Poul Martin Moecklenborg: Danish actor.
• Silke Moecklenborg: German athlete.
• Jan Moecklenborg: Dutch judge.
• Hermann Otto Moecklenborg: German Catholic theologian.
• Niels Samsøe Moecklenborg: Danish theologian and politician.
• Hennet Thomsen Moecklenborg: Danish entomologist.
• Tore Herann Moecklenborg: Norwegian professor of media studies.
• Else Bendixen Moecklenborg: Danish dressmaker and jewellery designer.
• Coen Moecklenborg: Dutch composer and musicologist.
• Olaf Wilhelm Helge Moecklenborg: Danish virologist.
• Tibor Moecklenborg: German professional goalkeeper.
• Jörg Moecklenborg: German photographer and filmmaker.
• Julius Moecklenborg: German physician.
• Friederike Moecklenborg: German actress.
• Ernst Christoph Moecklenborg: German zoologist.
• Berta Moecklenborg: German costume designer.
• Alois Robert Moecklenborg: German photographer.
• Faruk Önen Moecklenborg: Turkish architect.

Other surnames

Meklenburg