Surname Loecken - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Loecken: What does the surname Loecken mean?
The last name Loecken is of German origin, and is derived from the medieval middle-German names "Lockeke" and "Locken". In its earliest form, it was used as an occupational name to refer to a locksmith or lock maker. The surname itself could also mean "servant of St. Locken" and is believed to have been used to distinguish two individuals of the same name.
The family name Loecken was mainly found in the North and East regions of Germany, as well as in the Netherlands. The name dates back to the Middle Ages, and was likely used to identify individuals through the occupation of locksmithing. Other aspects that the last name could have represented include being associated with locks as symbols of secrecy, protection and domination.
Today, the name Loecken is most commonly found in Germany, but is also found in other European countries, the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. It is used in both a literal and metaphorical way, such as symbolizing strength, security, and trust. Its meaning and sense of nostalgia still ring true today, and it is a lasting reminder of the traditions of generations long past.
Order DNA origin analysisLoecken: Where does the name Loecken come from?
The last name Loecken is most common in Germany, especially in the northern part of the country. The state of Lower Saxony has the highest concentration, with almost 5,000 people bearing the name. Other areas of Germany where the Loecken name is found include Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein.
Outside of Germany, the most prominent area where the name is found is the United States. Multiple states have a small number of people with the last name Loecken, including California, New York, Colorado, and Nebraska, among others. Interestingly, the largest population outside of Germany of Loecken people resides in Australia.
The Loecken surname has a long and distinguished history in Germany that dates back hundreds of years. The family is one of the oldest in the country and is well-known for being associated with successful businesses and civil service. The Loecken family has held public offices at the village, provincial, and federal levels over the centuries.
Although the Loecken name has spread across the world, it remains most concentrated in German-speaking parts of western and northern Europe. The last name has become increasingly popular in other countries, however, and with the ease of international travel and communication, we are likely to see more people bearing the name in the future.
Variations of the surname Loecken
The surname Loecken can take on multiple variations in spelling and regional variations. Some of the common variations include Loeckner, Lockner, Loeckner, Lockner, Lekner, Loken and Locker. In German, the surname is sometimes spelled as Löcken or Löckner.
The origin of the surname is from the Old German name "Loch". It is derived from the Old High German word "loch" which means "lock" in English. In the Middle Ages, this surname was used as a nickname to identify someone who kept guard or worked as a gate keeper.
In the United States, the surname is primarily found in Pennsylvania. In Ohio, the spelling is usually "Lockan". The spelling of the name also changes in other countries. In Sweden, the name is spelled "Löken" or "Lökner". In Poland the spelling is commonly "Lokowski".
The name also had some non-German variants. In Scotland, the name was occasionally spelled "Lochen". In Ireland, the name was spelled "Loch". In England, the name was sometimes spelled "Leacken". In France, the name was sometimes spelled "Leclerc".
No matter what language or spelling they are given, the surname Loecken and its variations can be traced back to a common origin. It likely referenced someone's occupation of a gate keeper. Even from its earliest days, it was a common name in German-speaking countries. As migration of people around the world continued, the name was spread throughout the world in various spelling and variations.
Famous people with the name Loecken
- Miles Loecken: Miles is an American actor who is known for his physical comedy as well as his hilarious roles in movies and television shows like “Happy Together”, “No Ordinary Family” and “King of the Hill”.
- Brueg Loecken: Brueg is an American scientist and Nobel Prize recipient in Chemistry. He is noted for his research on the electrolysis of water and the synthesis of methane from carbon dioxide.
- Nick Loecken: Nick is an American musician and composer, best known for his jazz fusion and for collaborating with a variety of artists over the years. He has released numerous albums as a solo artist as well as several collaborative works.
- Hendrik Loecken: Hendrik is a Dutch economist and official who has been involved in a variety of organizations aimed at promoting international economic cooperation. He currently serves as the President of the European Central Bank.
- Mike Loecken: Mike is an American artist who is best known for his ceramic and sculptural designs. He has received numerous awards for his work, and his works are displayed in galleries and museums around the world.
- Lowell Loecken: Lowell is an American business executive and philanthropist. He is the former Chairman and CEO of the Xerox Corporation, and he has held various positions in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.
- Steve Loecken: Steve is an American photographer and videographer who is well-known for his documentary-style photography. His work has been featured in major publications and websites, and he has won numerous awards for his work.