Surname Handke - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Unraveling Ancestral Threads of the Handke Name - A Fascinating iGENEA DNA Journey
Discovering the genetic origins and diverse connections of the surname ‘Handke’ through an enlightening journey with the iGENEA DNA test. Exploring familial narratives, tracing ancestry back seven centuries, and finding unexpected global connections with individuals sharing the ‘Handke’ surname.
V. Handke
read moreHandke: What does the surname Handke mean?
The last name Handke is of German origin. It is a occupational name derived from a word meaning "handle maker" or "seller of handles". The Handke surname can be derived from various locations in Germany, including Westphalia, Prussia, Saxony, and the Rhineland region. It is also found in the United States, where it is mainly associated with German origins.
The Handke surname likely first entered the German language around the 16th century, when many Germanic people immigrated to the United States. At that time, most of the immigrants had already adopted the Handke surname in order to better identify themselves. From then on, the name has remained in use as a common German surname.
The Handke surname represents a family with a long history and a strong sense of identity. It is a part of German culture and heritage and is associated with a hardworking people who have contributed to the modern day Germany. With their hard work and dedication, the Handke family has persisted through the years, giving them a proud and honorable legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisHandke: Where does the name Handke come from?
The surname Handke is a notable German family name that has its roots in Austria. It is common in the German-speaking countries of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as in the former countries of Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. It is also relatively common in some other European countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands.
Additionally, Handke is common in the United States, where it was brought by immigrants from Europe. In fact, it is the 327th most common surname in the United States today. Its usage is most heavily concentrated in the Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states of the country, such as Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, and West Virginia.
The meaning of the surname Handke is believed to be derived from an old German word that means "firm as a rock". This indicates the family's strength and determination. Records of the family date back to 1181, when Johann Handke was the mayor of Ratkau, Germany.
Today, the Handke surname is still strongly rooted in German-speaking countries and in the United States. Its usage across Europe and around the world is evidence that this family name has a long and interesting history and is likely to remain an honorable Last Name in many families for many years to come.
Variations of the surname Handke
The surname Handke is a German variant of the surname Handek and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘han’ meaning ‘hand’ or ‘work’. It was most likely a toponymic surname given to those who lived near a large or prominent crafted hands or the occupation of those who craft with their hands.
Variants of this surname include Hanke, Handst, Handt, Handdt, Handk and Handecke. Spellings include Handek and Hendke.
Surnames of the same origin include Hanck, Hancke, Hanke, Hank, Hanek, Hänke, Häncke, Hancken, Hanckes, Hanckens, Hankels, Hand, Handel, Handla, Handelmann, Handka, Handke, Handkel, Hante, Hanson, Handlin, Hanstein, Henke, Henken, Hönke, Honke, Honken and Hencke.
Famous people with the name Handke
- Peter Handke: Austrian novelist, poet, playwright, and political essayist.
- Jon Handke: American former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Jouko Handke: Finnish cross-country skier.
- Stephanie Handke: German ladies professional golfer.
- Michael Handke: German football player.
- Uwe Handke: German sprint canoer and marathon canoeist.
- Ted Handke: American Republican politician who served in the Washington State Senate.
- Bruce Handke: American motorcycle stuntman and Racer X Films entertainer.
- Visa Handke: Finnish swimmer and Olympic medalist.
- Eric Handke: German-American historian, author, and academic.