Surname Wennicke - Meaning and Origin
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Wennicke: What does the surname Wennicke mean?
The last name Wennicke (also spelled Wennecke, Wynnicke and Winnike) is a German name derived from the word "wenig," which means "little" or "few." This is most likely an occupational name, likely derived from the term "wenigkessel," which means "little pot," and usually used to describe a potter.
It is likely that the Wennicke surname was created in the 12th or 13th century and was first found in Saxony in what is now the modern German state of Saxony-Anhalt. It may have derived from a person who was the hereditary maker of brewing pots for a local brewery.
In some areas, such as Prussia and Saxony, the name may refer to someone who grew fruits, such as potatoes, and supplied them to local grocers. In more recent times, some people with the surname Wennicke may have been farmers, wine-makers, or entrepreneurs involved in the wine industry.
The Wennicke family is particularly well-known for its tradition of hospitality and making sure guests feel welcome and comfortable. This has extended into modern times, with many members of the Wennicke family boasting their hospitality at various events.
The Wennicke surname has spread all over Europe and even to America, especially during the period of German emigration to the United States beginning in the 19th century. Today it can be found in Germany, the United States, Belgium, Holland, and many other countries around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisWennicke: Where does the name Wennicke come from?
The last name Wennicke is quite common today, with over 8,500 people in the United States carrying the name. The vast majority of them are living across the Midwestern United States, particularly in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. However, there is also a significant population in the New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey region as well. Smaller numbers can be found in California, North Carolina, Virginia, and Texas.
Outside of the U.S., Wennicke is much less common. In Germany, where the name originated, Wennicke can be found mostly in the northern and central parts of the country. In the Netherlands it is more scattered, but can be found in the larger cities such as Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Considerable numbers can also be found in the United Kingdom, though again, mostly in larger cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Overall, the last name Wennicke carries a strong presence across North America and Europe. With its roots originating in Germany, the name Wennicke is a testament to the gradual expansion around the world of the German language and culture.
Variations of the surname Wennicke
The surname Wennicke can be spelt in different ways depending on the language and country of origin. In Germany, the most common way of spelling this name is Wennigke or Wennigke. It is often seen as Weningke in Spain and other parts of the world. In the United States, the spelling of Wennicke is often Wening.
Other variants of the surname include Wennicke, Weninge, Wenicke, Venigke, Wennigk, Wente, Wenzigke, Wennigg, Venicke and Venike. These surname variations can also be found in other countries including Poland, Netherlands, Scandinavia and Slovakia.
Some of the surnames of the same origin include Wengen, Weninger, Weningersohn, Veniger and Venigk. These are less common but have been used in various regions.
The earliest recorded form of the surname is Weningo, recorded in 1323 in Germany. It is believed to be derived from a location such as Wengeland, which is located in the south of Germany near the border of Austria. Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname has evolved and changed with different regional dialects.
In summary, the surname Wennicke has numerous variations, with some of the most common spellings being Wennigke and Wening. It may also be seen as Weninge, Wenicke, Venigke, Wente, Wenzigke, Wennigg, Venicke, Venike and more. Other surnames of the same origin can include Wengen, Weninger, Weningersohn, Veniger and Venigk. The earliest documented form of the surname is Weningo, found in 1323 in German records.
Famous people with the name Wennicke
- Jürgen Wennicke: German philologist and professor of German studies, linguistics, medieval literature, and Latin philology at the University of Würzburg.
- Wilhelm Wennicke: German artist and painter during the Romantic period who primarily focused on landscapes, cityscapes, and street scenes.
- Michael Wennicke: Munich-based violin maker of the Wilhelm Wennicke workshop.
- Thomas Wennicke: German boxing champion in lightweight categories and Vice Champion in the World Championship in 1998.
- Horst Wennicke: German football manager and coach most active in the 1960s and 70s.
- Anneliese Wennicke: German actress and author who appeared in several German films in the mid-1960s.
- Karl Wennicke: German swimmer who set multiple national records in the Freestyle and Medley events and competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics
- Jakob Wennicke: German sculptor specializing in religious sculptures during the early 19th century.
- Alfred Wennicke: German composer of the late 19th and early 20th century.
- Hans Wennicke: German physician and author of several books regarding diseases in horses and dogs.