Surname Tegenkamp - Meaning and Origin
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Tegenkamp: What does the surname Tegenkamp mean?
Tegenkamp is a German surname, most likely derived from the Middle High German word "teghen," meaning "against" or "opposed." Over the centuries, the surname has been tied to numerous areas in Germany, including Hessen, Oldenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Schleswig-Holstein. The earliest known records of the Tegenkamp family date back to the mid-1400s, when records show that the name was mainly found in the western regions of Germany.
The Tegenkamp surname is thought to have been given to people who were actively opposed to something, such as authority, or to those who defied custom. Such people often faced ridicule or disdain from the people around them because of their independent spirit and refusal to conform.
Today, the Tegenkamp family is still found mainly in western regions of Germany, although some members have spread to other parts of that country as well as parts of Europe, Australia, and the United States.
Tegenkamp may be an unusual surname, but it is still an important part of the family's history, reminding each member of their origins and strong willed spirit that stands out from the crowd.
Order DNA origin analysisTegenkamp: Where does the name Tegenkamp come from?
The last name Tegenkamp is predominantly found in Germany today. According to archived records, it is a toponymic name developed from locations in the Lower Rhine and Westphalia regions. Tegenkamp is believed to be derived from Tegenemer, meaning “from Tegen” – the name of a medieval settlement near Uedem in the Lower Rhine area. The name Tegenkamp was found in these regions as early as the 13th century.
Most Tegenkamp’s today are believed to be descended from a few founding families who eventually spread across Germany and beyond. It is a popular last name among Germanic populations, including those who live in Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and other countries. According to some genealogical research, many other modern-day Tegenkamp’s are descended from immigrants who traveled to the US in the 19th century, especially from Prussia.
The current population of Tegenkamp’s is hard to track, especially since the Tegenkamp’s that settled in the US and elsewhere often changed their name to something more “American”. However, it is still believed that there is a sizeable Tegenkamp community for those who seek it out.
Variations of the surname Tegenkamp
The Tegenkamp surname is a Dutch patronymic name, which originates from the medieval personal name Tegen. It can be spelled in various ways, including Tegenkamp, Tegenkam, Tegenkamps, Tegenkampt, Tegenkampts, Tegenkammp and Tengenkamp.
Variants of the surname include Teekenkamp, Tiegenkemp, Teijkampe, Tijkenkamp, Teikekamp, Teegenkamp, Teegemkamp, Teikekjamp, Tijgenkamp, Tijgenkampf, Teigkamp, Tiegenkamp, Teggenkamp, Teegenkamp, Tegenkemp, Tiegenkem, Teigenkamp, Tegengamp, Tickenkamp, Tijekamp and Tygenkamp.
Surnames of the same origin include Akkenkamp, Bakkenkamp, Heckenkamp, Lakenkamp, Ockenkamp, Rakkenkamp, Rickenkamp, Ukenkamp, Wegenkamp, Wickelkamp and Zwegenkamp.
Most of these surnames are derived from the same root and each of them started as a nickname that was used to describe the original wearer of the name. The word “kamp”, which means “comprised of”, was added to the personal name Tegen to form the surname. Today, the Tegenkamp surname is found most predominantly in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the name Tegenkamp
- Bob Tegenkamp: Professional Basketball Player
- Dave Tegenkamp: Professional Soccer Player
- Matt Tegenkamp: Professional Runner
- Tracy Tegenkamp: Professional Volleyball Player
- Alex Tegenkamp: Professional Snowboarder
- Tyler Tegenkamp: Professional Surfer
- Jenna Tegenkamp: Professional Swimmer
- Jack Tegenkamp: Professional Tennis Player
- Leah Tegenkamp: Professional Gymnast
- Justin Tegenkamp: Professional Boulderer