Surname Henkel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Review: Tracing Surname and Making Connections - An Adventure with iGENEA DNA Test
My journey through the iGENEA DNA test led me to fascinating revelations surrounding my surname - Henkel. The experience has helped discover shared family history and establish connections with other Henkels globally.
X. Henkel
read moreHenkel: What does the surname Henkel mean?
The last name Henkel is derived from German and Jewish cultures. The German meaning is “descended from a hereditary lord” or “home owner”. The Jewish version of the surname is Hanokh, derived from the Hebrew given name Chanokh, meaning “dedicated” or “devoted”.
The Henkel surname is a famous one in both German and Jewish cultures, having a recorded presence dating back hundreds of years. It is most often associated with the Rhineland region of Germany, where it is still fairly common today. Other variations on the name include Henkelmann and Hankel.
The Henkel name carries with it a very rich and varied history, being a name that has been held by many renowned individuals over the centuries. Most famously, Ferdinand Henkel was a pioneering German chemist and a prominent 19th century industrialist who established the Henkel chemical company.
Additionally, there are numerous contemporary famous individuals bearing the Henkel surname, such as German historian Konrad Henkel and American-British author K.W. Jeter.
The Henkel surname is a clear symbol of a long and proud heritage, and has been held by distinguished and inspiring individuals over many generations. It is a testament to history, effort, and hard work.
Order DNA origin analysisHenkel: Where does the name Henkel come from?
The last name Henkel is most commonly found today in Germany, where the name is thought to originate. The name first appears in records in Germany in the 13th century.
In modern German, Henkel is a noun meaning "corner" or "a handle." As a surname, it likely refers to someone living near a corner, a handle-maker, or simply someone who was known for having a corner-shaped nose. Because the name is so common in Germany, it can be difficult to trace its exact origin.
The German suburbs Bielefeld, Velbert, and Tübingen account for the highest concentration of the last name. Many members of the Henkel family in Germany have since spread to other countries. Henkel is also prominent in Austria, the Netherlands, and Lithuania.
In the United States, the last name was first introduced by German immigrants in the late-19th-early-20th century. Since then, the surname has spread coast-to-coast and is most prominent in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Other European countries such as France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom also have a presence of Henkel. Additionally, Henkel is firmly rooted in South America, particularly in Brazil, where the name is widely spread in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais.
Today, the last name Henkel is common in numerous countries worldwide. Although it traces its origin back to medieval Germany, members of the Henkel family can now be found on almost every continent.
Variations of the surname Henkel
The surname Henkel is of German origin. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Henkel include Henkle, Henkal, Heinckel, Henckel, Henckl, and Henkelmann. In the United States, the name can be written as either Henkel or Hankle in census records and other documents.
Henkel is derived from the German word heinkel, meaning "home" or "homestead". The name is likely to have been given to someone who lived near a homestead or who had been given one as a gift. The Heinckel variation of the name likely came from the Middle High German word heince, meaning "rook", as it was likely given to a person who had a rook or a crow as a pet.
Another variant of the name, Henkelmann, is commonly found in Austria and Germany. It likely comes from the German word henkelmann, which means "tailor". Henkelmann may have been given to someone who worked as a tailor or had a tailor's shop.
The Henckel variation of the name likely came from the Middle High German term henkel, meaning "corner post" or "cornerstone". It may have been given to someone who owned a house or piece of property near a corner or cornerstone.
The Henckl variation of the surname is also of German origin and comes from the Middle High German word henchel, meaning "coat of arms". It likely was given to someone who used a coat of arms or had a coat of arms registered to them.
Thus, Henkel is an old German surname with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The variations are likely to have come from words and terms associated with different trades, homesteads, or buildings from the German language.
Famous people with the name Henkel
- Anja Henkel: German sailor and entrepreneur who won the gold medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul
- Christine Henkel: German-born Brazilian actress and singer who starred in several theatrical productions
- Carl Henkel: astronomer and director of the Hamburg Observatory
- Hans Henkel: German football player and coach
- Johann Henkel: German painter and engraver
- Wolfgang Henkel: German physicist, author, philanthropist and patron of the arts
- Paul Henkel: Canadian actor who has appeared in numerous TV shows and films
- Richard Henkel: American investor and businessman
- John Henkel: American radio broadcaster, television producer, and news anchor.
- Clara Henkel: German writer, journalist, and feminist
Other surnames
Comments or additions to the name "Henkel"
11.02.2024
Hello, I am of the variation Henkle and we've had history in the Americas longer than this article describes. My father has documents and books showing our family lineage proving it. How do I help update this with said information?