Surname Meynke - Meaning and Origin
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Meynke: What does the surname Meynke mean?
The surname Meynke is of German and Dutch origin. It is believed to be derived from an old Germanic personal name Mainhardt or Meinhard, which means “strong and brave.” The Meynke surname can be found in numerous documents dating back to the 14th century. It is also spelt as Meineke and Mineke.
The earliest known bearer of the name is Mathias Meynke who lived in Hannover in 1418. His son, Hans Meynke was also mentioned in records as having property in the city. Over the years, the Meynke surname has spread throughout Germany and beyond.
Today, the Meynke name is often associated with strong-willed and successful individuals. This is what the name initially signified, and it is this same spirit of strength and courage that continues to be associated with the Meynke name today. People bearing the Meynke surname may be gifted professionals in the fields of entrepreneurship, business, or industry, or they may have a strong sense of ambition and determination to succeed in life.
Overall, the Meynke name symbolizes a long history of hard work, perseverance, and fortitude that is indicative of its original bearers. Its practical yet noble character continues to be of great relevance to individuals with this surname, transmitting a unique set of values that binds the Meynke name to its origins.
Order DNA origin analysisMeynke: Where does the name Meynke come from?
The last name Meynke is predominantly found in Germany today. It is not a common name, but it occurs more frequently in some parts of Germany- particularly in its northern region. It is believed that the name originated in the area of Oldenburg and is of Germanic origin. Records suggest that the name is derived from the Old German words “Meynke” and “Meeking.”
The meaning of the name Meynke is believed to be “from the meadowland.” It was most likely given to those who lived near a meadow, or an area rich in grass and other low-growing vegetation. This is evidenced by the many villages named “Meynke” throughout Germany.
Today, the Meynke name is most often found in towns and cities in Northern Germany. It is especially prevalent in Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hamburg. Although the name is not particularly common, it is becoming more widespread. It has even been found in a handful of other countries, such as the UK, the US, Denmark, and Norway.
The Meynke name is rich in Germanic heritage and is a testament to the importance of exploring one’s roots. Despite its current regional prevalence, its fascinating origins and meaning make it an intriguing last name.
Variations of the surname Meynke
Meynke is a West Germanic surname originating from the Middle Low German or modern Dutch words for “manage” or “meeting.” It is also spelled as Meinke, Mienke, Mienk, Mienken, Meenken, and even Minken.
Variants of the surname Meynke can include Minken, Meenken, Meinke, Meinke, Mienke, Mienken, and Meinken. In some parts of the world, the surname has been spelled as Meincke or Meinkela.
In the Netherlands, a common version of the surname is Meinkelaar. Similarly, in Germany, the surname is spelled Mienkela.
Surnames with similar origins include Mensing, Menning, Mennink, Mensink, Mensinck, Mensert, Meninger, Meenninger, Menninghausen, Mensinghausen, and many more.
The history of the name Meynke reaches back before the 16th century. The earliest documented use of the surname can be traced back to the German family which made up a significant portion of the population of Saxony in the Middle Ages. They were of noble origins and played important roles in the court of Albert the Bold and his successor Frederick III. The family held several prominent posts in the political and military structure of the region.
The name is now found in different parts of Europe, such as Holland, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and the United States of America. It enjoys continued popularity and is especially common in Germany, where more than 16,400 people bear the surname.
Variants of the surname are also found as far away as Russia, Canada, Australia, and other countries across the globe. This is testament to its widespread use and the ever-present popularity of the name Meynke.
Famous people with the name Meynke
- Kai Meynke: German footballer who plays for Holstein Kiel.
- Bill Meynke: American master carpenter and cabinet maker.
- Tim Meynke: American professional skateboarder.
- Paul Meynke: Former German-American soccer goalkeeper who was a member of the German National Championship team in 1981 and 1983.
- Gerd Meynke: German cellist and conductor.
- Auguste Meynke: German classical composer who was the father of the noted contemporary composer and organist, Volker David Meynke.
- Horst Meynke: German TV personality.
- Nick Meynke: American artist and social media influencer.
- Hortense Meynke: German stage and screen actress.
- Phil Meynke: German musician and producer.
- Andreas Meynke: German World War II flying ace.
- Sabine Meynke: German illustrator and graphic designer.
- Harald Meynke: German photographer and visual artist.
- Lars Meynke: Norwegian professional football player.
- Bettina Meynke: German journalist, author, and television presenter.