Surname Pelshenke - Meaning and Origin
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Pelshenke: What does the surname Pelshenke mean?
The last name Pelshenke originates from the old German language and has several possible interpretations. It is most likely derived from the word pantz, which means “frog”. Alternatively, some sources interpret it as a regional name originating from Palzchyn near Volhynia, Ukraine, and a variant spelling of Palshke.
In some cases, Pelshenke may also have been an occupational surname for a swimmer, originating from the Middle High German word pelshenke, meaning “one who particularly excels in swimming”. The surnames Pelshenke and Palshke are common among Ashkenazi Jews, indicating that the name likely has Jewish origins.
In modern times, the surname Pelshenke continues to be used by families in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe. Many Pelshenke families also emigrated to the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The many possible meanings of the last name Pelshenke make it an interesting source of family history. It is an old name whose original meaning may still be open to interpretation, but its history can still be appreciated today.
Order DNA origin analysisPelshenke: Where does the name Pelshenke come from?
The last name Pelshenke is a German surname most commonly found in the state of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany. It is one of the many German last names that originated in the Prussian region of Europe during the Middle Ages. It is also common in Belarus, where many of the Saxon Prussians migrated during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Pelshenke name is derived from a short form of the personal name 'Albrecht' which was a popular name in Prussia at the time. It likely began as Albrechtshenke, which eventually became Pelshenke.
Today, the Pelshenke name is still quite common in Saxony-Anhalt. It has also spread to other parts of Germany as the descendants of the original Saxon Prussians have moved to other German states. In some cases, the name has been Anglicized to Phillips or Pelkens, while in other cases, particularly in Russia or Belarus, it may be written as Pel'shenke.
Outside of Germany, the Pelshenke name is also often found in the United States, Canada, and Australia due to German immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition, the name may also be found in Russia and Belarus among the descendants of Prussian Saxons who migrated eastward.
Variations of the surname Pelshenke
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Pelshenke include Pelshe, Pelchenke, Pelsohn, Pellchenke, and Pellshe.
Pelshe, which is derived from the Slavic words "pols" or "pole" meaning field, is the most common variant of the surname. This surname is believed to have originated from somewhere in Eastern Europe. It is commonly associated with the Jewish culture and it is believed to be a Jewish variant of the German surname Pelshenke.
The variant Pelchenke is thought to originate from the Slavic word “chelek” meaning “portion.” This variation is more commonly seen in Switzerland and Austria, though it may have been carried there from Eastern Europe by Jewish immigrants.
Pelsohn shares the same origin story as Pelshe and originates from the combination of the Slavic words “pols” and “sohn” meaning son or child. It is believed that the surname was given to children of families living in Eastern Europe with the surname Pelshe.
Pellchenke is a variation of Pelchenke that is believed to originate from the Prussian variant of the German word “pfelle” meaning “poorly clothed.” This surname is thought to have originated from those who were known to wear poor clothing despite having the means to buy better clothes, so they were given the nickname “Pfelle.”
Similarly, the variation Pellshe originates from the Prussian word “pesel” meaning “poorly dressed” and is a variation of Pelshe. It is believed to have been given to families who were known to be threadbare despite having enough money for better clothes.
Famous people with the name Pelshenke
- Sebastian Pelshenke: German actor and model.
- Katja Pelshenke: German Olympic track and field athlete.
- Paul Pelshenke: German chess master of International Master strength.
- Romano Pelshenke: German football goalkeeper.
- Agnieszka Pelshenke: Polish politician.
- Harry Pelshenke: German composer and record producer.
- Bill Pelshenke: former Major League Baseball player.
- Erich Pelshenke: former German rower.
- Norbert Pelshenke: former German football midfielder.
- August Pelshenke: German fencer.