Surname Pinkus - Meaning and Origin

Pinkus: What does the surname Pinkus mean?

The last name Pinkus is of Jewish origin and is derived from the Yiddish word "pinkes," which means "scribe." Historically, the Jewish scribe was a vital figure in the community as he was responsible for recording religious documents as well as taking religious and legal proceedings. In Jewish culture, the scribe was also a leader and a teacher in his respective community.

Today, the surname Pinkus is most commonly found among members of the Jewish faith. It is also often found among Ashkenazi Jews and the descendants of Ashkenazi Jews.

The name Pinkus has several variations, including Pincas, Pinkes, Pinkos, Pinko, Pinkas, Pincus and Pinco. It is also sometimes spelled Pinkish, Pinckus or Pinke. While the surname is most common among Jews, it has also been adopted by people with no Jewish heritage.

In modern times, people with the surname Pinkus can be found across the globe in many countries, ranging from the United States to Israel, from South Africa to Mexico. Whoever bears this last name is said to have a deep appreciation for historical knowledge and a keen eye for detail.

Pinkus: Where does the name Pinkus come from?

The last name Pinkus is commonly found in Jewish communities all over the world today. In Europe, it is most widespread in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. In North America, the surname is most often associated with the United States and Canada, especially New York, California and Toronto, although it can also be found in Mexico and in South American countries, such as Argentina and Brazil.

The family name Pinkus traces its origin to Polish, Yiddish and Ashkenazic Hebrew languages. It is mostly found in central and eastern regions of Poland. The name likely originates from the Polish word ‘pink’ which means ‘flower’. A variant of the name Pinkus is Wind, related to the Old German word ‘wind’ or ‘win’ which means 'friend'.

Although its presence in Europe is more common than elsewhere, the surname is found all around the world. It is especially prevalent in English-speaking countries, such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In these countries, the spelling of the name may vary depending on the local dialect. As a result, you may come across a Pinkus, Wines, or Winkler.

The name Pinkus is most common amongst Jewish families, however, and has remained important in Jewish culture since its emergence in the 11th century. It is a common family name amongst generations of Jewish immigrants and can be found in many Jewish communities today.

Variations of the surname Pinkus

The surname Pinkus is a Jewish and Ashkenazic surname of Germanic origin, derived from either the Yiddish word “pinkus,” meaning “second son,” or the Hebrew word “pin:kus” meaning “little.” It is believed to have originated as a patronymic surname, meaning it was typically adopted by a son named after his father. The most common variants of the surname Pinkus are Pinkes, Pinkusz, Pinkosh, Pinkusse, Pinkuss, Penkus, and Pinke.

The surname Pinkus has many spelling variations, that all carry the same origin. Some of the more common spellings include Pincus, Pinks, Pinkusz, Pinkos, Pinkes, Pinkusse, Penkus, Penkuss, and Pinke. These spelling variations may be found in records located outside of the United States, such as in Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, many surnames that appear to be completely unrelated can trace their roots back to the Pinkus surname. These include Pullman, Pelman, Pinon, Pike, and Pincuskoff.

In the United States, Pinkus is also the surname of many other families of diverse backgrounds. For example, some Pinkus families have Ukrainian Jewish, Polish Jewish, and Eastern European origins, as well as Italian, French, and Swedish roots. There are also some Pinkus families with English or Scottish origins, which are thought to have come from the family lineage of civil rights attorney and labor leader Henry Pinkus.

In conclusion, while the Pinkus surname is likely of Germanic origin, it has also been adapted and adopted by many other families throughout the world. Its many spellings, variants, and other related surnames are evidence of its widespread reach and ever-evolving use over time.

Famous people with the name Pinkus

• Michael Pinkus: Canadian wine writer, critic, judge and consultant.
• Osias Pinkus: Lithuanian-American also known as Josef Pinkuss, a founding leader of labor unions.
• Hugo Pinkus: Jewish German lawyer and one of the leading members of the German resistance in World War II.
• Martin Pinkus: German businessman and founder of the historic cloth-manufacturing company Martin Pinkus & Söhne.
• Sigismund Pinkus: Rear Admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy.
• Jakob Pinkus: founder of the Jewish feminist movement in Germany.
• Elisheva Pinkus: Israeli educator, author and psychotherapist.
• Amy Pinkus: American producer and actor.
• Zvi Pinkus: scientist, innovator and former director of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
• Mark Pinkus: American entrepreneur and co-founder of Magnum Tool, Inc.
• Abraham Yitshaq Pinkus: Polish Rabbi.
• Aleksandr Pinkus: businessman, philanthropist and filmmaker.
• Jonathan Pinkus: California-based venture capitalist and former president of The Arboretum Group venture capital group.
• Michael Leon Pinkus: film director, producer and screenwriter.
• Daniel Pinkus: Canadian classical pianist and music professor.
• Marvin Pinkus: former president of the American Jewish Congress and president of the World Jewish Congress.

Other surnames

Pinkusson