Surname Selenka - Meaning and Origin
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Selenka: What does the surname Selenka mean?
The last name Selenka is a German name, likely derived from Slavic roots. It likely began as either a patronymic name, meaning "son of Selen," or an occupational name, referring to a maker of wooden carts. The latter is generally accepted as more likely due to the topographical features recognizable in the name ".eka".
The prefix "Sel" is thought to derive from the Germanic name suffix "selina," meaning "fairy queen." During the middle ages, Germans would combine this essentially religious suffix with other words to denote royalty or nobility. Thus, it is possible that Selenka may have originally been used as a surname for a family of perceived higher status or Members of the aristocracy.
Its usage varies across the German speaking world, from "Selenke" in northern Germany to the "Zelenka" spelling in Polish and Hungarian usages. In Poland, the name is often translated as "green," while in German, it suggests one who was born under a moonlit sky.
The Selenka surname is not widely prominent in modern society. However, it has been adopted in the creation of surnames in other cultures, such as the somewhat more recognizable "Zelenka," in Hungary and Poland. This may be due to the interesting etymology of the name, as well as the romantic notion of its fairy queen derivation.
Order DNA origin analysisSelenka: Where does the name Selenka come from?
The last name Selenka is a German name. It is most commonly associated with Toruń, Poland, administered by Germany from the 16th century until 1945. It is not particularly common in Germany today, but is quite prevalent in the community surrounding Toruń.
Selenka is the surname of an influential family in Toruń, whose descendants remain there today. The first known Selenka was Johann Selenka, a secretary of the Toruń town council, who gained prominence in the 17th century. The Selenka family name has been in the Toruń region from at least the 15th century, and the Selenka Palace still stands as a testament to their contribution to the area.
The Selenka family is associated with Toruń to this day, and many citizens of the city with the surname Selenka can trace their lineage back to the old family. The last name is also found in nearby cities such as Grudziądz and Olsztyn, near the original hometown of the family.
In more recent times, the name has spread relevant further afield due to immigration. It is now found in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, or in any area with a large Polish expatriate population. The Selenka name is still highly respected in Toruń, and continues to be present in the community today.
Variations of the surname Selenka
The surname Selenka is of Latin origin and dates back centuries, with many different variants and spellings of the surname being found throughout Europe over time. Some of the variations of this surname include Salenko, Solenka, Selienka, Salenka, Selinka, Szlenka, Selonka, Sellenka, Solinka, Silenka, Selanka and Szalenka.
Surnames that are believed to have derived from the Selenka family name include Sellens, Sellinck, Szlenka, Sallenbach, Selinka, Sillen, Celinski and Selinkiewicz. The spelling and pronunciation of names can vary dramatically depending on the country in which people are from and their respective dialect. For example, Selenka can be spelled and pronounced differently in different regions, such as Selinka being used to describe the same surname in certain areas of Eastern Europe.
Other variations of Selenka that have developed over time include Sellen, Selon, Sellinger, Salansky, Salinke, Salensky, Selonick, Sallen, Sellenk, Salleneck, Salloneck, Salenske, Celinsk and Sellner. This wide range of spelling and pronunciation variations highlights the fact that the Selenka surname carries with it a rich history and has evolved significantly over many years.
Famous people with the name Selenka
- Emmi Selenka (1851-1930): German zoologist and ethnographer.
- Frank Selenka (1856-1925): German physician and zoologist.
- Philip Selenka (1869-1938): German geneticist and zoologist.
- Jürgen Selenka (born 1950): German lawyer and politician.
- Krystina Selenka (born 1961): German actress and singer.
- Max Selenka (1911-1998): Austrian jazz bassist.
- Lou Selenka (born 1931): American Olympic gold medal long jumper.
- Adolf Selenka (1822-1902): German zoologist and animal photographer.
- Marek Selenka (born 1961): Czech ornithologist.
- Sigrid Selenka (born 1970): German long distance runner.
- Heinrich Selenka (1860-1926): German psychologist and philosopher.
- Johannes Selenka (1846-1927): German Lutheran theologian and brother of Emmi Selenka.
- Elinor Selenka (1873-1946): German zoologist and sister of Emmi Selenka.
- Esther Selenka (1908-1979): Austrian-American actress and singer.
- Lena Selenka (1902-1963): Austrian-American actress.
- Emmeline Selenka (1845-1923): German adventurer and writer.