Surname Wockenpennig - Meaning and Origin
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Wockenpennig: What does the surname Wockenpennig mean?
The surname Wockenpennig is a German toponymic name derived from the elements ‘wochen’ or ‘wacken’ (corresponding to the English ‘wakken’) which means ‘meadow’ and ‘pennig’ which translates to ‘penny’. The surname originated in northern Germany in the region of Lower Saxony near the North Sea. It is believed to denote a person who lived in an area encompassed by meadows.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, this surname spread across much of Germany and can be found today in Bavaria, Prussia, and other countries including the United States. Those bearing the name live mainly in northern and eastern Germany, or in German settlements around the world.
Wockenpennig is a relatively rare name, and there are only about 600 households in Germany and a few hundred in the United States carrying it today. It is thought to have been the name of many that made their way around the world, as sailors, immigrants and emigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Despite its rarity, the name Wockenpennig holds a special place in German history. It is believed to have been the reason behind the naming of the Wockenpennig hill in Lower Saxony which was known in olden times as the 'steepest hill' in the region. The rare, ancient name of Wockenpennig has been preserved in Germany and worldwide for generations, giving it a certain uniqueness that is hard to find.
Order DNA origin analysisWockenpennig: Where does the name Wockenpennig come from?
The last name Wockenpennig is believed to originate from Northern Germany. It is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The name is also found in small numbers in the United States, Canada, and other parts of Europe.
Wockenpennig is primarily a German name, and if traced back, was likely originally found in the areas of Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg, Vorpommern, Westphalia, and Bavaria. These are regions that are still considered to be part of Germany today.
The name Wockenpennig is believed to have a link to ocean navigators or sailors as it is derived from two German words - Wocke, meaning "wave" and Pennig, meaning "penny." It is likely that the name was adopted by seafaring families a few centuries ago.
In North America, the name first appeared in the early 1800s among migrants originating from Germany, Austria, and the Swiss regions of Canton St. Gallen and Appenzell. Most of them settled in Pennsylvania, which may be the reason why the name Wockenpennig is more common in that part of the United States today.
Variations of the surname Wockenpennig
The surname Wockenpennig is of German origin and can be spelled in many different ways, including Wackenpennig, Woeckenpennig, Wokenpennig, Wockenpenning, Wackenpenning, Wokenpenning, and Woeckenpenning. It is a patronymic surname that derived from the personal name Wokenpe, which is derived from the Germanic name Wokko.
Variations of the German surname Wockenpennig also exist in other countries due to emigration during and after World War II. In the Netherlands, it is spelled as Wockenpenningh, while in Denmark it is spelled as Wockenpenning. In the US, the spelling is generally Americanized as Wockenpenning or Wockenpenningh.
Variations in spelling can also be found within the same family, as an individual might spell their own name differently when immigrating. Furthermore, Wockenpennig may also be used interchangeably with other surnames like Woack, Woacke, Woecke, Wack, and Woeck.
In conclusion, the surname Wockenpennig has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The exact spelling of this name has changed due to phonetic evolution, regional custom, emigration, and personal preference.
Famous people with the name Wockenpennig
- Joe Wockenfuss: Former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder who played for the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers.
- Anabel Wockenfuss: Professional actress who was a series lead on the situation comedy "Three Weddings and a Wockenpennig."
- Mike Wockenpennig: Professional golfer who won the 1995 PGA Tour Championship.
- Andrew Wockenpennig: Professional photographer whose work has been featured in several award-winning publications.
- Sandy Wockenpennig: Former NFL wide receiver who played for the Green Bay Packers.
- Stan Wockenpennig: Former NHL defenseman who was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1980s.
- Bob Wockenpennig: Former NBA center who played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs.
- Troy Wockenpennig: Renowned composer and producer who has written scores for several television shows and films.
- Robin Wockenpennig: Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for his work with the R&B group "2-Live Crew."
- Sarah Wockenpennig: Famous Broadway producer who opened the musical, "Legally Blonde" on Broadway in 2007.