Surname Hark - Meaning and Origin
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Hark: What does the surname Hark mean?
The last name Hark is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German phrase “harke”, meaning “sea-guard” or “watchman”. It is believed to be an occupational name given to someone who was a guard of a coastline who watched for any incoming threats or dangers.
People with the last name Hark may have originally originated from an area in Germany near the coastline, making them a guard of the sea. The name could also be derived from the Middle High German word “herc”, meaning “spear”, so it could be a more traditional occupational name for someone who was a spear maker or spear armorer.
The name Hark is thought to have been first established in the German provinces of Prussia, Bavaria, and Hesse in the late Middle Ages, and its use eventually spread throughout Europe and North America. Presently, people who bear the last name Hark mainly reside in Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada.
Overall, the last name Hark is strongly associated with being a guard or watchman of a sea area, however, with the different possible origins of the ancient German word, its modern meaning may differ somewhat from its original meaning. No matter the exact origin, the last name Hark can still be seen as a proud reminder of its German roots and the people that proudly bear the name today.
Order DNA origin analysisHark: Where does the name Hark come from?
The last name Hark is most common in the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, though small clusters of people with that surname can be found in various countries.
In the United States, Hark is most popular in the states of Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In Michigan, Hark is considered an especially common last name.
In Germany, the name is most prevalent in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, but it is also found in other parts of the country.
In the Netherlands, Hark is most common in the province of North Holland, but is found throughout the country.
Given its strong connection to the United States, it is likely that people in other countries with the last name Hark have ancestors who came from the United States or Germany.
Overall, the surname Hark is comparatively uncommon in most parts of the world, but can be found in notable concentrations in the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Hark
The surname Hark is derived from Middle English harke meaning "listen." It is an occupational name, meaning someone who would listen for bells, or horns, to give signals to people in the Middle Ages. This surname also has variations, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin.
Variations of the surname Hark include Harke, Harck, Harcks, and Harckes. Hark may also be found as Harcken or Harken.
Spellings of Hark are sometimes written as Harke, Harks, Harcks, or Harckes.
Other surnames of the same origin include Harker, Harvey, Harrison, Harsons, Harkins, Harmony and Harmes.
The variant Haugh, often spelled Haugh, is believed to be related to Hark. It is derived from the Middle English term haghe, which could refer to an area of terrain that conveys a physical impression.
In addition to these variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, there are several variations of the surname Hark found in German records. These include Herk, Herck, Harck, Hark, Harcke, and Hirsch, all of which are thought to have the same origin as the English Hark.
No matter how the name is spelled or pronounced, the surname Hark is believed to have originated from Middle English and is likely associated with an occupational name. Other variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin can also be found, dating back to the Middle Ages in Europe.
Famous people with the name Hark
- Ben Hark: Actor, best known for his comedic roles in award-winning films such as I Am Martin and The Place Beyond the Pines.
- Eric Hark: Professional baseball player who played for the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox.
- Kimberly Hark: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who rocketed to superstardom with her hit single, “The Sound of Our Hearts” in 2011.
- Chris Hark: Professional soccer player who currently plays for Passau 08 in the German Bundesliga.
- Joann Hark: British actress and theatre director. She has had major roles in soaps, films, and television shows.
- Tina Hark: Professional marathon runner and renowned fitness coach.
- David Hark: Musician and producer responsible for crafting countless number of hit records in the 2000s.
- Victoria Hark: Novelist and screenwriter best known for her work on the popular "House of Horror" series.
- Melinda Hark: Television news anchor for WXIA-TV and director of communications for the Atlanta Intown Chamber of Commerce.
- Laura Hark: Professional violinist and founder of the Delilah Concert Series, which has helped bring classical music to some of the furthest reaches of the globe.