Surname Harink - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Harink: What does the surname Harink mean?
The last name Harink is likely derived from a Dutch name. It is believed to be derived from the words har (an old Dutch word denoting something that stands out, such as a high hill) and ink (a shortened form of the Dutch word meink, meaning a meadow or grassland). Literally, Harink could be translated to "Hill Meadow".
The Harink surname first appeared in Holland sometime in the 17th century, when many Dutch families emigrated to the United States and other countries. Over time, it may have been adopted in other countries, although it’s still most common in the Netherlands.
The Harink family is believed to have originally been farmers who owned and tended to the land where their name comes from. This tradition continues to this day, as the Harink farming legacy remains a major part of the family’s heritage.
Those bearing the Harink name tend to be the source of strength for their families or communities. The name embodies the values of integrity, determination, and work ethic—all of which have been passed down through generations of Harinks.
Though the surname has evolved over time, its origin is still an important part of the Harink family’s past, and the name continues to be a source of pride for those who carry it.
Order DNA origin analysisHarink: Where does the name Harink come from?
The surname Harink is mainly found in the Netherlands, where it is commonly seen in the provinces of Friesland, Overijssel, Gelderland, Utrecht, and Noord-Holland. It is among the 100 most common Dutch surnames, and one of the oldest, with records of the name appearing as early as the 12th century. The name is thought to come from the Medieval Low German word harink, meaning ‘little chair’. Given the strong presence of the surname in the Netherlands, it is likely that the majority of its bearers live in the country.
It is possible to find the surname in other countries, such as in Germany, where it appears to be quite rare, as well as Belgium, Switzerland, and even the United States. It is possible that many of its holders have migrated to other parts of the world, or are the descendants of Dutch people who did so.
While the name itself is quite rare outside of the Netherlands, there are some notable Dutch people who bear the name, such as athlete Adri Harink, and renowned Dutch cyclist Jaap Harink.
Variations of the surname Harink
The surname Harink is derived from Germanic origin, with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of this surname is Herink, which is predominantly found in the United States. It can also be found in the Netherlands in the form of Harrenkamp, while in Germany, the spelling Harring is more common.
In some cases, the surname Harink may be spelled Harinck, with many families originating from the Netherlands taking on this spelling. Other surnames with a similar origin include Herinck, Harincks, Herinckx, Herincks, Harrick, Hearnk, Heronk, Harranck, Harrank, Harrak, and Harrenkamp.
In England, the Harink name may have derived from the Old Norse personal name Harald, as Heanric is a derivative of this name. This spelling is also found in Scotland and Ireland, where spelling variants may include Harrinck, Harrenck, Harrinckx, or Hearrick. In the English language, the Harink spelling is most often found in Yorkshire records.
For Irish families, the surname Harink has origins from the Gaelic Monach, which translates to 'monk'. This surname is typically found in the south-eastern provinces of Ireland, where the spelling variants may include Haranck, Heronck, Hearnck, and Heroncks.
The numerous spellings and variants of the Harink surname, as well as its many other surnames of the same origin, demonstrate how diverse the Harink family tree is and how far its roots stretch throughout the world.
Famous people with the name Harink
- Monica Harink: Monica is a professional ballet dancer from the Netherlands. She has been performing with Dutch Ballet since 1996 and has been a soloist with them since 2012.
- Dave Harink: Dave is a professional hockey player from Canada. He currently plays for the ECHL's Rapid City Rush and has a career record of 121 goals and 179 assists in 388 games.
- Jeanette Harink: Jeanette is a Dutch Olympic athlete who competed in the 2008 Beijing games. She specialized in 800 meters and long jump events and earned a silver medal in the long jump event.
- Simon Harink: Simon is a Dutch actor who has starred in numerous films and television shows, including "Moordvrouw," "New Kids," and "De Ontsnapping."
- Katinka Harink: Katinka is a professional swimmer from the Netherlands who has earned a bronze medal in the 200 meter butterfly at the 2012 London games.
- Frank Harink: Frank is a professional golfer from the Netherlands who has competed in several top tournaments including The British Open, The Open Championship, and the US Open. He is currently a member of the European Tour.
- Ellen Harink: Ellen is a Dutch television presenter who has been the host of the popular Dutch show called "De Wereld Draait Door" since 2005.
- Willem Harink: Willem is a Dutch electronic music producer who has released more than 30 albums throughout his career. His work often featured various field recordings, avant-garde jazz influences, and experimental percussion.