Surname Warnkes - Meaning and Origin
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Warnkes: What does the surname Warnkes mean?
The surname Warnkes is believed to have Germanic origins and is thought to be derived from the Old German word "warnen," which translates to "defend." Historically, the Warnkes family name may have been seen as a sign of the family's historic role as a protector of their homeland.
Warnkes is believed to have been a name given to families which provided protection or served as a trusted assistant in matters of defense. In many cases, it may have been used to denote someone who was personally tasked with protecting the local people, property, and other resources from harm. Furthermore, this familial duty may have also been extended to any financial assets or investments held by the Warnkes family.
Today, the Warnkes family can be found spread across Germany, the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other parts of the world. As their relatives move to new places, the Warnkes name is continuing to be passed down from generation to generation. Despite the centuries that have passed, the Warnkes family name is still reflected in the noble characteristics of protection and loyalty among its members. In many ways, a Warnkes family member today is still upholding the same values as their ancestors, even though they may now live many miles away from their original home.
Order DNA origin analysisWarnkes: Where does the name Warnkes come from?
The last name Warnkes is most commonly found in Germany. According to the US Census, as of 2020, Warnkes is the 11,011th most popular surname in the United States of America. It has originated from Old German, and is derived from the pre 7th century word 'warnen' which means to warn or to take heed. In German records, it is often found as Warnke or Warnki.
The Warnkes surname is most common in German-speaking areas such as the Rhine region in Germany and parts of Poland. It is also found in other countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.
The surname Warnkes is also found in the United States, Canada, and other American and European countries where German immigrants have settled. In the United States, it is mainly found in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota, with smaller numbers in Oregon, California, Kansas, and North and South Dakota.
In Germany, the name Warnke is the 8212th most common surname in 2020, according to statistik-portal.de. It is most common in the eastern states of Saxony and Brandenburg. In these states, Warnke is the 576th and 1030th most common last name respectively.
In short, the last name Warnkes is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries, but is also found in other parts of Europe and the United States.
Variations of the surname Warnkes
The surname Warnkes has numerous variant spellings and surnames, all of which have the same origin. These include Warnke, Varnke, Wernke, Waernke, Wiernke, Wiernke, Wiernecke, Wernnecke, Wirnecke, Viernecke, Wernecke, Wernec, Varnecke, Warenke, Wehrnecke, Warncke, Vernke, Wernk, and Varnk.
The surname Warnkes is believed to derive from the ancient German word "warnen" meaning "to guard or watch", which was used to describe a watchman or guard. This is backed up by the fact that many of its variant spellings and surnames have the suffix -ecke added to them, which suggests origin from the Old High German word "eckon" indicating "area or corner".
Currently, the surname is most common in Germany, where it is found in more than 11,000 records. It is also found in other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
The spelling of Warnkes is derived from a combination of dialectic and phonetic influences from the various regions and countries in which this surname is found. As such, it is important to keep in mind that the spelling can vary widely and can include a variety of additional letters or an alternate order of letters.
Famous people with the name Warnkes
- Jack Warnes: American boxer who was World Junior Lightweight and Lightweight champion in the 1950s.
- Manfred Warnke: German historian and professor, author of numerous books on German medieval history.
- John Warnke: American artist, one of the foremost intaglio printmakers of his time.
- Sarah Warnke: American actress a best known for her role in the Netflix show House of Cards.
- Sheryl Warnke: American graphic designer, illustrator and web designer.
- Eric Warnke: American ceramic artist, known for his whimsical and intricate ceramic sculptures.
- Matt Warnke: American songwriter and singer, notably associated with the band Elton John.
- Osman Warnke: German-Turkish mountain climber, summiting mountains in the Alps and elsewhere.
- Bill Warnke: American comedian, best known as a regular performer on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
- Jason Warnke: American skateboarder, considered the undisputed king of vert a trick style skateboarding.