Surname Woodke - Meaning and Origin
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Woodke: What does the surname Woodke mean?
The last name Woodke is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "woht", meaning "guard" or "protector". The first recorded instance of the name comes from a 1505 baptismal record from Wiesbaden, Germany, where one Johannes Woodke was baptised.
The Woodke family is thought to have its origins in the medieval Rhineland, an area of western Germany. During this period, many families adopted patronymic surnames derived from the first name of the father, and it is likely that Woodke is linked to such a practice.
The name is most common in Germany and the Netherlands, but has been recorded in the United States since at least 1800 in Pennsylvania. Later American examples include a John Woodke who lived in Minnesota in 1920 and a Margaret Woodke who lived in Wisconsin in 1930.
The Woodke family have played an important role in the history of central Europe. Examples include a 15th century knight called Agnes, who is remembered for her charity and support of the poor, and Johannes Woodke, a major property owner in 17th century Nassau, who was also a prominent scholar and diplomat.
Today, the Woodke last name is still relatively rare and is found mainly in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Those bearing the name can be proud to be descended from a long line of hardworking and influential individuals.
Order DNA origin analysisWoodke: Where does the name Woodke come from?
The last name Woodke is fairly common today in the United States and Canada. Woodke is a Germanic surname derived from the Old High German term "wodehoc," meaning "wood hawk." The surname has variations such as Wudke, Wudki, Wudky, Woochke, and Woodchuck. It can also be found spellled as Boshke, Wodka, and Woodek.
Woodke is found in many places in North America, from large cities to small towns. In the United States, the Woodke name is most commonly found in states such as California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas. It is also found in Canada, primarily in the province of Ontario, and some other provinces, such as Manitoba and British Columbia.
The Woodke family has a rich history in the United States and Canada. Some of the earliest records of the family date back to the 1800s, when various members of the Woodke family immigrated to the United States and Canada. Since then, many family members have made their homes in these countries, contributing to their communities in many ways.
Today, the Woodke name continues to be a respected one, and it is a common sight wherever it is found. From California to Canada, the Woodke family name is a sign of a hardworking, respected, and successful family that has called North America home for many generations.
Variations of the surname Woodke
Woodke is an uncommon surname of English origin. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Woodky, Woodkey, Woodkee, Woodkee, Wodke, Woodie, Woode, Woodey, Woodeke, Woodeky, Woodekie, Woodecke, Woodecky, Woodack, Woodacki, Woodacks, Woodackie, Woodocker, and Woodoaker.
Woodie is the most popular variant of the Woodke surname and is a patronymic surname that originated as a variant of the Wood surname. It was derived from the names of often rural English communities known as woods, forests, and meadows.
The Woode and Woodey variants of the surname are derived from the Old English term wode, meaning "forest." It denoted someone who lived near or in a wooded area or forest.
The Woodack surname variant originated from the term vlodk, which meant "a small wood or copse." Woodacki, Woodackie, and Woodacks are derived from the same origin, and may have originated in Slavic cultures, such as the Czech Republic or Slovak Republic.
The Woodock and Woodoka variants, both derived from the Old English term woc, are found mainly in the United Kingdom. It denotes someone from the settlement of Woodock or a resident of such a place.
Overall, the Woodke surname has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is likely derived from geographic regions and places of living - woods, forests, meadows, and settlements - to indicate family origins.
Famous people with the name Woodke
- Joe Woodke: Professional football player in the NFL
- Marissa Woodke: Actress known for roles in "Game of Thrones" and "The Hunger Games"
- Dwayne Woodke: Former NHL player and Stanley Cup champion
- Emily Woodke: Multiple award-winning French actress
- Chris Woodke: Former MLB player for the New York Yankees
- John Woodke: Canadian-born actor who appeared in "The X-Files" and "ER"
- David Woodke: Emmy-nominated composer for television and film
- Susan Woodke: Well-known painter and performance artist
- Kenny Woodke: Professional poker player who has won multiple World Series of Poker bracelets
- Barry Woodke: Grammy-winning songwriter and record producer