Surname Wernink - Meaning and Origin
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Wernink: What does the surname Wernink mean?
The last name 'Wernink' is of German and Dutch origin. The German form of the surname is 'Wernering' or 'Wernersing', which is derived from the Middle High German name 'Wernher', meaning 'Worthy Warrior'. In turn, 'Wernher' is derived from the Old Germanic words 'wernan', meaning 'to protect' and 'heri', meaning 'army'.
The Dutch variant of Wernink is derived from the Middle Dutch name 'Werninc', which is also said to be derived from 'Wernher' and meant 'Protector'.
The surname is fairly common in Europe, with the highest concentrations of Wernink families found in the Netherlands, where approximately one in eighteen hundred people have the name. The surname is also found in Germany, particularly in the area around Rhine, and in neighboring countries such as Austria and Switzerland.
In America, Wernink first came to the New World in the late 17th century when migrants began to come to the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam (New York City). Since then, the surname has spread to other states in the United States, and Werninks can be found living in nearly every state.
The meaning of the Wernink last name is one of a 'Protector' or 'Worthy Warrior', likely denoting a family who was adept at protecting what was their and providing safety and strength to their community.
Order DNA origin analysisWernink: Where does the name Wernink come from?
The last name Wernink is most commonly found in the Netherlands. Wernink is an old Dutch family name, derived from the Germanic word "Werneken". This name is most likely derived from the German toponym which means "land near the marsh".
In the Netherlands, most of the people with the surname Wernink are descendants of Settlers who moved to the eastern provinces of Drenthe, Overijssel, and Gelderland in the 13th to 16th centuries. This area is still known as the "Wernink Lands", and numerous Werninks still live there today. Additionally, the surname Wernink can also be found in South Africa, the United States, and Canada.
The Wernink family have left a significant mark on the region they once settled in. In Harderwijk, a town near the Wanolands, there is an outdoor museum which celebrates the history and heritage of the Wernink family. The museum includes a traditional farmhouse, several croft houses, and a reconstructed farm belonging to the Wernink family.
In recent years, more and more people with the last name Wernink have begun to trace their family tree. There are numerous websites dedicated to the Wernink family, with members of the family from all over the world sharing stories, photographs, and documents related to their ancestors.
In summary, the last name Wernink is most commonly found in the Netherlands, but also in South Africa, the United States, and Canada. The Wernink family have left a lasting legacy in many of the towns and villages they once inhabited, and continue to trace their family tree to this day.
Variations of the surname Wernink
The surname Wernink is a Dutch patronymic surname derived from the given name Werner. It is found most concentrated in the Netherlands where it is one of the most common surnames. Variants of the surname Wernink include: Werninck, Werning, Wernicke, Werningh, Werningk, Verning, Vernick, Vernicke, Verninck, Vernin, Vernink, Werneke, Werneck, Wernike, Wernickey, Wernicki, Werness, Vernecke, Verning, Vernicki, Verniki, Wernieck, Wernick, Wernicq. Surnames derived from Wernink, however, are not limited to those of Dutch origin as the name appears in various forms and spellings throughout the Germanic speaking countries.
In Germany, variants of Wernink include Wernicke, Werning, Wernerke, Werners, Werninger, Werningh, Vernigers, Vernecke, Vernicke, Verniers, Wernerse, Werneke, Wernike, Werness, Vernicq, Vernicki, Verniki, Wernieck and Wernick. In Sweden, the surname Werning is found in various spellings such as Wernek, Wernin, Werning, Werningh, Werneck, Wernicke, Vernecke, Vernicke, and Vernink. In Denmark, the surname Werning is also found in various spellings, such as Verneck, Wernick, Werning, Vernicq and Vernicki.
The surname Wernink is also found in the United States, where the spelling is sometimes simplified and Anglicized, although it generally retains its original form. Variants of the surname Wernink in America include Wernecke, Werninck, Wernicke, Vernicke, Werningh, Wernick, Wernicq and Wernicki. The Wernink surname is also found in other parts of the world, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Wernink
- Hoeffie Wernink: Hoeffie Wernink was a Dutch rector and professor of philosophy and ethics. He was a close associate to the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands and served as a rector in the congregations in Groningen, The Hague and Leiden.
- Christiaan Wernink: Christiaan Wernink is a Dutch businessman and former CEO of Grolsch. Under his leadership, the company rapidly expanded, leading to the acquisition of Grolsch by Asahi Breweries of Japan in 2008.
- Johannes Wernink: Johannes Wernink is a Dutch composer and pianist. Many of his compositions have been performed by renowned orchestras, such as the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Abe Wernink: Abe Wernink is a Dutch fashion designer. He has had several internships for fashion labels in Europe and has established his eponymous fashion label, Abe Wernink.
- Gerarld Wernink: Gerarld Wernink is a Dutch film director. He has directed several films, such as the short documentary "The Monuments Men and the Allied Battle for Art". He currently works at the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision.