Surname Specks - Meaning and Origin
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Specks: What does the surname Specks mean?
The last name Specks is of German origin and is first found in Bavaria in central Germany, where the name emerged in medieval times. The name Specks is derived from the Middle High German word "spieken," meaning "grains" or minute particles. The Specks emerged as a noble family in Bavaria in the Middle Ages, and became known for their strong ties to the church and their military engagement in the region.
The Specks often played a role in the feudal system, acting as vassals to other noble families in the area. Throughout the medieval period, the Specks developed a deep loyalty to their traditions and values, which were passed down through generations. Eventually, the Specks adopted the nickname "Speckers," which is derived from the word "Spiegel," meaning "mirror," as a symbol of their steadfastness and loyalty to their heritage.
Today, the last name Specks continues to be a common name found in Germany and other parts of Europe. Those who bear the Specks name continue to uphold the principles of honor, loyalty, and tradition which their ancestors established centuries before.
Order DNA origin analysisSpecks: Where does the name Specks come from?
The surname Specks is most commonly found in the United States. According to the U.S Census data, Specks is the 3,154th most popular last name in the country, accounting for 0.002% of the population. The geographical distribution of this name within the United States is heavily centered in the Midwestern and northern parts of the country. This includes states such as North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Specks are also fairly common in Canada, and particularly so in Ontario and British Columbia. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of Specks has grown by nearly 6%, which is slightly higher than the population average for Canada.
The name Specks is also found in other parts of the world such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland. Ireland has the most Specks per capita in western Europe, but the numbers are still comparatively low.
Overall, Specks is a fairly uncommon name. However, its presence is most noticeable in the United States and Canada. Outside of these two countries, it is difficult to determine the extent to which the name is used.
Variations of the surname Specks
Specks (SPEK-S) is an English and German surname with several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
In English, Specks is spelt exactly as it is pronounced; however, this surname has variants in spelling including Speks, Spex, Specs, Spekx.
In German, Specks is spelt Speck, with variations Speckx, Spex, Specks and Speckes.
The surname Specks has additional German variants Späck, Späckes, Späcks and Spaack.
Specks is also found as a variant of the surname Speicher, which is the German version of the name Speeks. This dating to the Germanic French sub-ethnic group which descended from the Middle Ages and Middle High German region known as Swabia. It means a storekeeper or collector.
When Anglicised, Speicher is often seen as the spelling Speeks, with various spellings which include Speaks, Speekes and Speeks.
Other surnames which could be linked to Specks include Speiser, Spaiser, Speiser and Spaiser, all of which mean “one who eats.”
All of these surnames ultimately derive from the Middle High German “spes” which means Lash, indicating the potential of a Germanic ancestor whose profession would have been associated with lash making.
In summary, Specks is an English and German surname with several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, such as Speks, Spex, Specs, Spekx, and Speicher which is often Anglicised to Speeks. Additionally, Speiser, Spaiser, Speiser and Spaiser all derive from “spes” ultimately meaning Lash, indicating the potential of a Germanic ancestor whose profession would have been associated with lash making.
Famous people with the name Specks
- Frank Speck: anthropologist and university professor who studied Native American and Algonquian societies.
- Robert Speck: Canadian politician who was a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1973 to 1975 and held the position of Solicitor General of Ontario from 1975 to 1977.
- Lola Speck: Australian actress who has had roles in multiple television shows, including Dance Academy and The Divorce.
- Chris Speck: Australian actor best known for his roles in the films Such Is Life and The Third Person.
- Emma Speck: German model who has worked with many fashion brands including Marc Jacobs.
- Gary Speck: American composer and musician best known for his work on films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star War.
- Frederick Speck: British actor who has made appearances in television series such as Midsomer Murders and Doctor Who.
- Abbie Speck: American swimmer who competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics and is also a World University Games medalist.
- Caroline Speck: Austrian chromosome biologist who has worked in multiple hospitals including the Medical University of Vienna and the Institute of Cancer Research.
- John Speck: American actor and cinematographer who has worked on films such as Ghostbusters, Star Trek Beyond and 300.