Surname von der Laake - Meaning and Origin
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von der Laake: What does the surname von der Laake mean?
Von der Laake is a German surname derived from the Middle Low German phrase, 'von der Laken', which translates directly to 'from the lake'. This suggests that the family name was originally derived from someone who lived near a lake, or perhaps on the shores of a lake.
The use of the phrase 'von' in a German surname historically indicated a family of nobility or gentry. Though von der Laake appears to be an old, yet still contemporary, German name, it is possible that its origins can be traced back further in time to the medieval period, when the belief that nobility was associated with land or a place was commonplace in Europe.
In some cases, a family with the surname may also indicate an ancestral relationship with a medieval knight who owned a parcel of land in which a lake resided. Since names developing from such a source often indicate ownership or descent of land, the surname may represent a sign of status within a noble family. Alternatively, it could signify that a family's members are associated with a particular region or area and could have roots in a village on the banks of a lake or near to it, as 'von der Laake' does literally suggests.
Ultimately, the specific origin of a family’s name may be traced back to a point, however, 'von der Laake' is a clear reminder of a shared ancestry which could represent long-standing ties to a particular locale and family heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisvon der Laake: Where does the name von der Laake come from?
The last name von der Laake is common mainly in Germany. It is a German noble family, also known as von der Laaken, and originated from the Dutch family Van der Laak from the city of Den Haag. The family first gained recognition in 1498, when Hermann von der Laake was given lands in Hessen. They then settled in Brandenburg and eventually spread to other areas within Germany.
Throughout the centuries the von der Laake family established itself as one of the most influential families in German politics and military. Members of the family held prominent positions such as colonels (Generalleutnant) and Reich Ministers (Reichsminister). Later on, the von der Laake family also played important roles in the German economy.
Today, the family is active in many parts of Germany, especially in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Bremen, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The family can also be found in the United States, Canada, South Africa, the Netherlands, and a number of other countries. Their influence in modern-day Germany can be seen in banking, politics, and business. Some members also participate in charity work, which has helped increase their public presence.
Variations of the surname von der Laake
The surname von der Laake is derived from a geographical origin. The literal translation is “from the lake”. There can be several spellings and variants for this surname, including:
Laack/Laacke: This spelling is the most common for the surname, and is used predominantly in Germany. In some cases, it may be spelled with a single ‘c’ in the ending.
Lacke/Lachen: This spelling is most common in Austria. It differs from the German spelling in that it ends with an ‘en’ as opposed to a single ‘e’.
Von Derlack: This spelling is used in some parts of Germany, but is far less common than the two spellings mentioned above.
Vanderlack/Vonderlack: This spelling is common amongst Dutch and Flemish speakers.
Lackemann/Lackmann: This spelling is used predominantly in East Germany.
De Laake/Delake: This spelling is most common in the Netherlands and is derived from the Dutch language.
There are also a few related surnames which can be derived from the same origin as von der Laake. These surnames are listed below:
Lackenbauer: This is derived from the word ‘bauen’ which means ‘to build’ or ‘to construct’.
Lackenschmid: This is derived from the word ‘schmied’ which means ‘blacksmith’.
Von Der Maken: This is the Dutch version of the name and is derived from the word ‘maken’ which means ‘to make’.
Regardless of the spelling, all of these surnames are derived from the same geographical origin – “from the lake”.
Famous people with the name von der Laake
- Anna von der Laake: German actress.
- Karl von der Laake: German astronomer.
- Friedrich von der Laake: Prussian officer and a participant in the Napoleonic Wars.
- Karl von der Laake: German architect.
- Anton von der Laake: German landowner and politician who was ennobled in 1790.
- Wilhelm von der Laake: German army general.
- Alfred von der Laake: German recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
- Hedwig von der Laake: German/Swedish painter and photographer.
- Ludwig von der Laake: German military officer from Mecklenburg.
- Heinz von der Laake: German versatile musician and Rock 'n Roll pioneer.