Surname Schenkirsch - Meaning and Origin
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Schenkirsch: What does the surname Schenkirsch mean?
The last name Schenkirsch is a German surname which derives from the word 'Schenk' which means 'gift' or 'present'. It is often found as a variation of the word, Schenkirch or Schonkirsch and can be traced to the Middle High German 'Schenken' meaning 'to give'. The name is therefore an occupational surname, referring to someone who gives gifts, likely referring to a tradesman or a travelling peddler who provided people with goods they may not have been able to get in their own area.
Given its regional origins in Bavaria and Swabia, the surname Schenkirsch was probably used as far back as the 13th century; however, the roots would be older than that. In its earliest form the name may have been something similar to Schonkirsch; however, as the name evolved this version most likely became modified to the more modern Schenkirsh.
The majority of people with the name Schenkirsch today most likely come from two different branches of the family tree. One branch would be descended from professionals who gave small gifts or services in exchange for coin. This group is likely from Silesia and East Prussia and can be traced to the 1600s. The second branch may have roots in the rural regions of Germany and is most likely descended from farmer families who gave a small gift or token each season.
The Schenkirsch surname is now found throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as parts of the US and Canada. Those carrying the name today are likely to be proud of their roots which, while having taken many different forms over the centuries, can ultimately be traced back to a shared history of generosity and service.
Order DNA origin analysisSchenkirsch: Where does the name Schenkirsch come from?
The last name Schenkirsch is not especially common today, but it is still present in a few parts of the world. Its main concentration is in Germany; although it is not particularly common there, it can be found in a few of the country's larger cities, such as Berlin and Munich. The last name is also present in the United States, mostly in the Midwestern and East Coast states. According to the US Census Bureau, there are currently about 1,800 people in the US with the last name Schenkirsch. There are also some scattered instances of the name in other parts of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The origin of the name Schenkirsch is unclear, but it likely came from either the German word "Schenken," which means to give, or from the German personal name "Schoeneke," which means handsome one. Many variations of the last name exist, such as Gonzalez Schoenkirsch, Schoenkirsch Magana, and Schoenkirsch Le Guen.
The most famous person with the last name Schenkirsch is likely the German doctor and academic Wilhelm Schenkirsch, who lived from 1910 to 1965. Throughout his life he was highly active in various fields of study, from biology to medicine. He was a celebrated instructor at a number of universities, including Heidelberg University and the University of Berlin.
Today, the Schenkirsch surname remains fairly rare, but its presence still persists in a few parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Schenkirsch
The surname Schenkirsch is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘shenke’ meaning ‘cup’, ‘tankard’ or ‘mug’. As such, the most common derivatives and variants of Schenkirsch are ‘Schankersch’, ‘Schinkersch’, ‘Schank’, ‘Schinke’ and ‘Schink’.
Variations of spellings include ‘Schankerscht’, ‘Schinkerscht’, ‘Schankischt’ and ‘Schenkischt’ among others.
Surnames related to Schenkirsch include ‘Schanker’, ‘Schinker’, ‘Schenker’, ‘Schanker’s’, ‘Schinkel’, ‘Schinckel’, ‘Schinke’s’ and ‘Schink’.
The surname has spread throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland with its derivatives and variants taking on regional variations. Some of these include Schneker in Bavaria, Schönke in Lusatia and Schank in Holstein, Rostock and Pomerania.
In addition to Germany, Schenkirsch and its derivatives are also present in the U.S., Canada, Australia and other countries as a result of European immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Overall, the surname Schenkirsch and its variants are a testament to the varying regional inflections and spellings of names that have occurred over time as a result of language, migration and cultural change.
Famous people with the name Schenkirsch
- Valeriy Schenkirsch: a Russian cyclist who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics and finished twelfth in the individual pursuit
- Bela Bartok Schenkirsch: a former producer at the Hungarian Public Broadcasting Service and an Ambassador of Goodwill for the International Olympic Committee
- German Schenkirsch: a former footballer who played for Romania's Steaua București and FC Dinamo București
- Reinhard Schenkirsch: a former East German bobsled and luge world champion who set multiple world records for sledding
- Ina Schenkirsch: a former Swedish freestyle swimmer who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich
- Nikolaus Schenkirsch: a former chief of the Croat National Guard in the Croatian War of Independence
- Katarina Schenkirsch: a Swedish sport shooter who has won a number of international medals and two Olympic bronze medals
- Andreas Schenkirsch: a German alpine skier who competed in the 1972 and 1980 Winter Olympics
- Noemi Schenkirsch: a Austrian speed skater who competed in the 1984 and 1992 Winter Olympics
- Laura Schenkirsch: a French ski jumper who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, and holds the record for the longest jump ever by a female athlete