Surname Hamker - Meaning and Origin
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Hamker: What does the surname Hamker mean?
The last name Hamker is of German origin, specifically from the regions of Oldenburg and Saxony. It is derived from the Middle High German word ‘hammeke’ which in turn is derived from the word ‘hamm’, meaning small plot of land. The name may have been given to an ancestor who owned or operated a smaller sized farm, or who was otherwise associated with the land.
The name also has other meanings, such as ‘shepherd’, ‘baker’ or ‘hoarder’. This is likely due to the similarity of the sound when the words are pronounced in German, although their individual meanings may vary according to the region and time period.
Despite its small size, the Hamker surname has become quite prevalent, with the name currently found in many countries and regions across the world. In the United States, it can be found in several states, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast regions. In Germany, the surname is more concentrated in the Oldenburg district, where it has been found to be one of the most common names.
The Hamker surname can also be found in various variations, such as Hammer, Hammerke and Hammerker. Each of these names have subtly different meanings, although they all retain the same original meaning of a small plot of land. This different variations have likely arisen due to changes in the spoken language over time.
In conclusion, the surname Hamker is steeped in history and culture, with its original meaning stemming from a small plot of land. The surname is now found in many different locations and regions, and is also seen in various forms and variations.
Order DNA origin analysisHamker: Where does the name Hamker come from?
The surname Hamker is found mostly in continental Europe, most prominently in Germany, Netherlands, and France. Within Germany, it is most commonly found in the country's northern and western regions. According to surname distribution data, in Germany today there are over 2500 people with the Hamker surname, with a majority of them living in Nordrhein Westfalen. In the Netherlands, around 1000 people bear the name, most popular it in the provinces of Noord-Brabant and Zuid-Holland. In France, the Hamker surname is known to be associated mainly with Lorraine region, where around 800 bearers are said to be living.
The Hamker name is not only found in Continental Europe. In the United States, the name has been in circulation at least since the 19th century. Over 2600 records with the surname Hamker can be found in the US census records in 1880, all of them being located in either Iowa or Ohio with some presence in a few other states. Currently in the United States there are approximately 650 people with the name, mostly living in the same two states.
Outside of Europe and the United States, the name can also be found in countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Hamker
The surname Hamker is a common variation of the surname Hemker, which is found predominantly in the Netherlands and Germany. Other variants of the Hamker surname include Hammer, Hemker, Hamacher, Hamaker, Hennicker, Hemmeker, Haniker, Hammanker, Hemcker, Hemicker, and Hammerker.
Although these surnames have slightly different spellings, they all come from the same origin. In the Netherlands and Germany, 'Hem' meant 'home' or 'house' and 'Ker' indicated a person who was the guardian of that house. Therefore, the literal meaning of the surname Hamker is "guardian of the house."
Several Dutch families adopted the surname Hemker, or one of its variants, as a form of hereditary surname. From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, the Dutch people typically named their children after their fathers, uncles, or extended family members. Therefore, numerous different families of Hemker, Hammer, and other similar surnames exist.
In the United States, the surname Hamker is found primarily among descendants of Dutch immigrants who arrived in the 17th century. Notably, immigrants from these families settled in areas such as New York, New Jersey, and other parts of the northeast of the United States.
Over time, some individuals adopted different spellings of the Hamker surname. For example, some adopted the spelling 'Hemker' once again, while some may have changed it to 'Hamaker.' Despite variations in spelling, all of these surnames come from the same origin and have the same meaning: 'guardian of the house.'
Famous people with the name Hamker
- Jens Hamker: German footballer who played with Braunschweig and FC Hansa Rostock.
- Ryan Hamker: American professional snowboarder, ranked 2nd in the US Open Series in 2013.
- Jeromy Hamker: American professional weightlifter.
- Elise Hamker: Dutch television and film actress.
- Rick Hamker: American businessman and former CEO of Strategic Hotels & Resorts.
- Geert-Jan Hamker: Dutch sociologist and professor in sustainable development.
- Etienne Hamker: German professional basketball player.
- Danielle Hamker: American amateur diver; selected as a U.S. Olympian in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
- Nathan Hamker: American politician; former state legislator of Iowa’s 97th District.
- Charlotte Hamker: German model and actress who featured on the television show Germany’s Next Topmodel.