Surname Pfannebecker - Meaning and Origin
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Pfannebecker: What does the surname Pfannebecker mean?
The last name "Pfannebecker" is of German origin. It is a combination of two words, 'Pfanne' which translates to 'pan' in English, and 'becker' derived from 'bäcker', meaning 'baker'. So, theoretically, the surname could indicate a profession and be roughly translated as "pan baker." Surnames in Germany were often derived from occupations, locations, or familial attributes, so the bearer of this name could have likely been involved in baking or a similar profession. However, the exact meaning can be variable because surnames often evolved over many centuries. Remember, in genealogy phrases, the meaning of surnames is less important than tracing a family line. Treat these meanings only as a curious addition to your family history exploration.
Order DNA origin analysisPfannebecker: Where does the name Pfannebecker come from?
The last name Pfannebecker is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, United States, which is where it originated. Pfannebecker can also be found in other parts of the United States, Canada, and Germany.
In the United States, there are approximately 4,100 individuals living with the last name Pfannebecker, according to the US census records. It was originally a German last name derived from the Middle High German word ‘pannenbeker’, which means “the skillet maker” as it was a profession in the early days.
In Pennsylvania, the surname is the 88th most common surname among the population of 12.8 million. Here, the most common spelling is Pfannebecker, while other versions of the surname, include Pfanneberger, Pfannenbecker, and Pannenbecker.
In Canada, the surname is the 425th most common surname among the population of 38 million. Here the version of the surname most commonly used is Pfannenbecker.
In Germany, the surname is the 568th most common surname among the population of 82 million people. The most common version of the surname in Germany is Pfannebecker.
Overall, the last name Pfannebecker is most commonly found in Germany, followed by Pennsylvania, United States and then Canada. Despite its ancient roots, the name is still quite popular today.
Variations of the surname Pfannebecker
The surname Pfannebecker has several variants, spelling variations and surnames of the same origin. Variations include Pfannenbecker, Pfanenbecker, Fannabecker, Fannenbecker, Pfannabecker, Fennenbacker and Von Pfannenbecker. The surname is derived from the word “pan”, which means “frying pan” in German. As such, the surname likely has its origin in a long-standing family of craftsmen who specialized in making and selling frying pans.
The earliest known mention of the surname Pfannebecker is believed to have been around 1453 in the city of Meckenheim in the Lower Rhine region. At this time, a man named Hiob Pfannenbecker appeared in the court records, indicating that he was the first recorded bearer of the name. During the 16th century, the family moved to nearby Tannen; and the surname became closely associated with the area of Tannenbecker, which remains to this day.
Today, Pfannebecker is primarily found in southern Germany, specifically in Bavaria, but has also extended to neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The surname’s variants, or spellings, can be found in various forms in both Germany and the United States. Examples of similar surnames include Fannabecker, Fenneback, Fennenback, Von Pfannenbecker and Pfannabecker.
Overall, the surname Pfannebecker has a long and proud history, and its variants and spellings serve as a reminder of its German origins and its craftsmanship legacy.
Famous people with the name Pfannebecker
- Erika Pfannebecker: Erika Pfannebecker is a German-American actress and film producer. She made her feature-film debut in David Foster’s A Very Long Engagement. Her other film credits include Ein Leben für Rose, Trennungsgefahr, and Eine Möhre für Zwei.
- Jacob Pfannebecker: Jacob Pfannebecker was a German-American writer, director, and cinematographer. He worked as a director for the films No Bananas on Board and The Tailor’s Daughter. He was also the cinematographer behind A Very Long Engagement and Trennungsgefahr.
- Reinhardt Pfannebecker: Reinhardt Pfannebecker is a German musician and record producer. He is known for his work in electronic and electro-acoustic music, having produced albums for various artists and labels, including Maximus, Elektra Records, and Disconforme.
- Hugo Pfannebecker: Hugo Pfannebecker was a German-American graphic designer and illustrator. He was best known for his cover artwork for a number of science fiction books, as well as his design for the 1970 logo for the film corporation American International Pictures.
- Katrina Pfannebecker: Katrina Pfannebecker is a German actress and former competitive swimmer. She is best known for her roles in the TV series, Der junge Doktor and Hotel Bianca. She was also a member of the German National Swimming Team from 1962-1963.