Surname Shanklen - Meaning and Origin
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Shanklen: What does the surname Shanklen mean?
The last name Shanklen is of Scottish origin, derived from an old surname "Shankill" which was likely taken from a place name. There are a few places with a similar name in Northern Ireland and Scotland, all of which are derived from a Gaelic word "sconcel" meaning "furrow or trench" or from the Old Norse phrase "skeggi loin" meaning "beard-lawn". These places were likely named for a furrow or trench that had been dug there.
The surname Shanklen is believed to have been a transferred use of the place name, and it ultimately became a surname associated with someone who was a native or inhabitant from the places with similar names. This could include those who were from the same family, or someone who had a direct connection to the places.
Given its origins, the last name Shanklen is likely associated with an area of Scotland or Northern Ireland. Although the image of a furrow or trench is probably not the most uplifting of images, the surname Shanklen carries the weight of centuries of history with it and is an important representation of family lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisShanklen: Where does the name Shanklen come from?
The last name Shanklen is most commonly found in the United States today. It is most popular in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina, in that order. The earliest mention of the Shanklen family name dates back to 1665 in York County, Virginia. It is believed that the Shanklens originated in Germany and migrated to the New World as part of the Westward Movement. Today, there is a strong Shanklen presence in Pennsylvania. The largest cities with the highest Shanklen population density are Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Allentown.
In Ohio, the settlement of the Shanklen family began around 1820. The biggest clusters of Shanklen’s in Ohio are located in Franklin and Knox Counties. North Carolina has also had a long history of Shanklen families. Throughout the 19th century, many Shanklens migrated to the Tar Heel state from Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and other states. Today, the highest concentration of Shanklens is located in the counties of Forsyth and Iredell.
Though Shanklen’s are scattered throughout the United States today, they still remain a close-knit family. Shanklen reunions occur in many states and gatherings have been known to span multiple generations. The reception of these reunions has only grown over the years, and it’s no surprise with the amount of family values and love that the Shanklen family radiates.
Variations of the surname Shanklen
Shanklen is a surname which has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames. Some of the most common variants are Shangle, Shankel, and Shanklin. Other spellings of the same name include Shankella, Shankellin, and Shanklauen. Other surnames which are derived from the same origin as Shanklen include Shangill, Shankar, Shangaree, Shanglein, Shankill, Shanklein, and Shanklee.
The origin of the surname Shanklen is believed to be an ancient German surname which is derived from the term 'shankel' meaning 'beautiful man'. It is also thought to have originated from the Old English word 'scynculent' meaning 'bent'. In some cases, the surname Shanklen is derived from the German 'schank' which is a term used to describe a drinking vessel or tankard.
Shanklen is a surname which is found across many parts of the world. It is most common in the United States, Great Britain, South Africa, Germany, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. Other countries where the surname is also seen include France, Spain, Russia, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
The surname Shanklen is a relatively uncommon surname; however, it is often used as a middle name in some parts of the world. It can also be seen as a family name in some parts of India.
Famous people with the name Shanklen
- Kimberly Shanklen: American businesswoman and former executive for Hewlett-Packard
- Ethan Shanklen: American logistics manager and entrepreneur
- Mary Ann Shanklen: American sculptor and art instructor based in Michigan
- Michael Shanklen: American financial advisor and entrepreneur
- Joshua Shanklen: American Pastor and Executive Director of Upward Sports
- Jaleigh Shanklen: American healthcare executive
- David Shanklen: American entrepreneur and CEO of a major health insurance company
- Amber Shanklen: American attorney and legislative counselor
- Tracy Shanklen: American veterinarian based in Florida
- Klay Shanklen: American retired professional soccer player
- Belle Shanklen: American author and public relations specialist