Surname Finks - Meaning and Origin
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Finks: What does the surname Finks mean?
The surname Finks is of German origin and it is derived from the personal name "Fink", which is of two possible origins. The first is a nickname for a lively and cheerful person, derived from the Middle High German word "vinch" or the Old High German word “finko”, both meaning "finch" – a bird known for its joyful song. The second possible origin relates to the name being an occupational surname for a breeder or seller of finches which were popular in the medieval times for their song. The surname also spread to areas in Europe such as the Netherlands and England. Variations of this surname include Fink, Vink, Finkel, Finkle, and others. As with many surnames, geographical or regional identifiers may have been added to distinguish between different branches of the same family.
Order DNA origin analysisFinks: Where does the name Finks come from?
The surname Finks is of German origin. It's derived from "Finke", a name for someone living near a spot frequented by finches or perhaps a nickname for a person who was thought to resemble a finch in some way. Spelling variations of the surname include Fink, Finkel, Finkler, and many more. Because of emigration and the effects of World War II, this surname is now found throughout the world and particularly common in the United States. In its original country, Germany, it's still prevalent. According to Forebears, a genealogical data website, the Finks surname ranks 167th in Germany and 11,639th in the United States. Thus, it is a moderately common surname that can primarily be found among the German diaspora.
Variations of the surname Finks
The surname Finks has various variants and alternate spellings influenced by regional dialects, national traditions, and individual choices over hundreds of years. Some of these include Fink, Finkes, Finken, Finck, Fincke, Finke, Fincken, Finkler, Finkle, and Finckle. There are also Finkl, Finkley, Finkell, and Finkill. These variants are predominantly seen in countries such as Germany, Austria, and parts of the United States where German immigrants settled.
The surname Finks can also be found in a number of different forms in other countries due to the cultural and linguistic differences, like Finc and Vink in some Slavic countries, Feinque or Fenck in France, and Pheonix in England. Variants may also include patronymics or matronymics (referring to one's father or mother's name) such as Finkson, Finksen, Finkler's (meaning Fink's son).
However, it is important to note that while these surnames may appear similar, or have similar origins, it doesn't necessarily mean those bearing these surnames are related or share the same family history as it could also be a result of coincidental likeness.
Famous people with the name Finks
- Jim Finks: He was a well-known figure in the American football industry. As a player, he spent seven years as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Later, he became an NFL executive, serving as General Manager for the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints.
- Justin Finks: Justin Finks is a composer known for his work on major projects like "Cold Prey II" and "Cold Prey."
- Bob Finks: He was an American football player who played offensive and defensive tackle in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) for the Chicago Rockets and Baltimore Colts.
- Bud Finks: He was a professional gridiron football player in the CFL (Canadian Football League) who played as a lineman for six seasons for the Calgary Stampeders.
- Deborah Finks: She is a successful lawyer specializing in employment and labor law.
- Paul Finks: He was an American playwright and writer, best known for his work on a biographical play about Ernest Hemingway.