Surname Hamkes - Meaning and Origin
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Hamkes: What does the surname Hamkes mean?
The surname Hamkes is derived from the Germanic personal names Hamo, Hamm and Haimo, all of which were highly popular in medieval Europe. The name is derived from a compound of the Germanic words meaning home and kin. This suggests a strong sense of and belonging and togetherness, indicating that the original bearer of the name may have been an important figure who protected and provided for their family.
The Hamke surname appears to have arisen in Middle German and is found most commonly in the Netherlands and Northern Germany. In the Netherlands it is also spelled as Hamkes, Hammes, Hammeke, and Hammen. The family is believed to have descended from an old Germanic clan from the Lower Rhine region, which was already in existence in the early Middle Ages. This clan is believed to have occupied a key strategic location near the Dutch border for centuries, providing a valuable military defense for the area.
The name Hamkes is thought to have first been used as a family name in the 15th century, and people bearing it have been prominent in their homeland ever since. Today, Hamkes is an uncommon but established surname in its Dutch homeland and across the globe. It serves as a reminder of the noble origins of a strong family and those who fought hard to preserve their homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisHamkes: Where does the name Hamkes come from?
The last name Hamkes is most commonly associated with Dutch heritage. The family has been traced back to the early 1700s in the Netherlands. Today, most Hamkes are located in the Netherlands and Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium.
The Hamkes name also has a presence in North America. In the United States, the family has a history of settling in New York, Illinois, and Missouri. These original Hamkes-American families have spread throughout the country, and many descendants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, academics, and military veterans. In Canada, the family is known mainly in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.
The last name of Hamkes is also found throughout Europe, specifically in Italy, Sweden, Germany, Poland, and Austria. While there are few Hamkes in the United Kingdom, some have descended from Flemish families who settled in England. Those with the name have also been found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, which often have a diaspora of Dutch heritage.
Overall, the last name of Hamkes is known throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, and other countries of the world. While most Hamkes of today are descended from a Dutch heritage, many come from families that have spread throughout the globe.
Variations of the surname Hamkes
The surname Hamkes is thought to be of German origin. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin arising from this surname include the following:
Hahneke, Hamke, Hamkes, Hamkea, Hamckes, Hamteke, Heimke, Hemke, Hemken, Hemkes, Hoehnke, Homke, Homkes, Humke, Hämke, and Hönke.
Hahneke is thought to be the oldest form of the name, originating in old German. It is derived from the name Hanek, derived from Johannes, meaning ‘God has been gracious’. Other related names include Hanke and Hahnke, both of which have a similar meaning.
Variations of the name were believed to have been used as far back as the 13th century, when families first began to adopt the practice of using common last names. The name is assumed to have evolved from the words Hahn, meaning “rooster”, and ke, meaning “small”. Over the centuries, the name has taken on many different forms, including Hemken, Hoehnke, Hämke, and Homke.
The surname Hamkes has a history of being a part of aristocratic families. It has been used by many well-known families throughout Europe, with members such as the well-known Prussian statesman, Carl Heinrich Hamkes, and the German sculptor, David Christian Hamkes.
The name Hamkes is still quite common in Germany today, where it is often used as a part of a double-barrelled surname. It is also used as a part of many surnames of Dutch origin, including van Hamkens, van Hamkes, Hamkes-Broer, and Hamkesma.
Famous people with the name Hamkes
- Heather Hamkes: an actress and model known for her television and film roles in productions such as Three Rivers, Amazing Race, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
- Thomas Hamkes: a Dutch professional football player who currently plays for FC Groningen.
- Paula Hamkes: a German-born photographer living in Spain.
- Jennifer Hamkes: an American actress who has appeared in films such as The Kid Who Would Be King, Jurassic World and The Good Liar.
- Kemen Hamkes: a Dutch classical violinist, composer, and arranger.
- Heinz Hamkes: a German singer and songwriter who has released multiple albums, his most successful being “Do It Yourself”.
- Steven Hamkes: a graphic designer and filmmaker from the Netherlands.
- Eduard Hamkes: a Belgian professional sculptor who studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
- Gerrit Hamkes: a Dutch painter and illustrator who has won several awards for his work.
- Mila Hamkes: a Dutch fashion designer who has produced clothing collections for esteemed fashion houses such as Chloé and Givenchy.