Surname Voelckner - Meaning and Origin
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Voelckner: What does the surname Voelckner mean?
The last name Voelckner is of German origin and is believed to have derived from the name "Völckner," which is an occupational surname from the Middle High German language. The root of the name Völckner is derived from the German word “volcken,” which translates to “furrier.”
Furriers were tradesmen who worked with animal pelts, crafting them into clothing or other items, such as hats, gloves, and accessories. These men were highly respected for their craft, and were viewed symbolically for their importance in providing necessary clothing for cooler climates. With this respect came a loyalty to their craft and an infamy due to their prominent role in providing specialized work.
Therefore, the surname Voelckner is likely to have been adopted by the family of a furrier in a village, and could have even derived from the village’s name, sounding like “Völckner of the village xyz.” Over time, the spelling of the name has become anglicized and now appears as Völckner or Voelckner.
As a result, the surname Voelckner can be viewed as a testament to a family's hardworking roots and loyalty to their craft. In countries with German ancestry, Voelckner is still a prominent name, although the craft of furriery is often seen in a much more modern light.
Order DNA origin analysisVoelckner: Where does the name Voelckner come from?
The last name Voelckner is commonly found today throughout various parts of Europe and North America. The surname originated in Germany and is derived from a medieval personal name, likely derived from the German word Vogel, meaning "bird".
In Germany, Voelckner is particularly common in the northern and central regions of the country, with some occurrences throughout the south as well. This surname is also common in Austria and Switzerland, especially near the borders of Germany and both countries.
Moving beyond the German speaking countries, Voelckner can be found in other European countries, such as Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. It is particularly common in the Netherlands near the Germany-Netherlands border. The surname is also common in France, particularly in the areas bordering Germany and Switzerland.
Voelckner is particularly common in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the United States, it is most often found in Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Rhode Island. These states either have large German-American populations, or are near to German-ancestry areas. The name is also found throughout various other parts of the US as well. In Canada, Voelckner is common primarily in Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia. In Mexico, the surname is mainly found near the Texas-Mexico border.
Overall, Voelckner is a fairly common surname that originated in Germany, and can also be found in various other parts of Europe, North America, and even Mexico.
Variations of the surname Voelckner
The surname Voelckner has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. One variant is Volckner, which is a variation of the spelling and pronunciation. Other variants include Folckner, Volkner, Folkenner, Völckner, and Voelkenner, all of which have a slightly different spelling, but the same German origin and pronunciation.
Due to the commonality of surnames in Germany, it is not unusual to find several versions of a single name. Other common variations of Voelckner include Voitkner,Volkmer, Folkenmeier, Fölkner, Füllkner, Fantasticner, and Fuselkner.
Other surnames of the same origin are Le Voelckner, Voelcken, Voelcler, and Völkeln, which are variations based on the original name and are all derived from the same root.
Families carrying the surname Voelckner and its variations are largely concentrated in the German and Dutch regions. They can typically be traced back to the 1300s in the areas of Bavaria and Prussia which are now apart of modern-day Germany. The surname appears to have been predominately found among nobility and well-respected families such as the Voelckner family who founded a palace near Berlin in the 15th century.
The surname Voelckner is still common in these areas today, although it is also found in other parts of Europe. There are a number of surnames in use today derived from the original Voelckner that are variations of the same root. With the many variations and spellings, the family’s rich history of roots and noble connections persists throughout today’s generations.
Famous people with the name Voelckner
- Robert Voelckner: a former German athlete and Olympic Champion who won a gold medal for Germany in the 10,000m in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.
- Wolfgang Voelckner: a German mathematician and philosopher who is known for his contributions to number theory and set theory.
- Andreas Voelckner: a German former professional footballer who played in the Bundesliga, Premier League, and UEFA Cup competitions.
- Christian Voelckner: a German contemporary artist who has gained worldwide recognition for his unique oil paintings and installations.
- Karl Voelckner: a German politician, who served as Secretary of State of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research from 1993 to 1998.
- Thomas Voelckner: a German professor and author, who specializes in American literature and culture and the theory of film.
- Helmut Voelckner: a German physicist and university professor who made important contributions in quantum physics and superconductivity.
- Anton Voelckner: a German sculptor who has exhibited internationally and is highly regarded for his vivid abstract sculptures.
- Johann Voelckner: a German businessman and real estate tycoon, who has made a name for himself as a successful entrepreneur in the housing industry.
- Wilhelm Voelckner: a German engineer and inventor who patented several inventions related to themanagement of electrical energy.