Surname von Runkel - Meaning and Origin
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von Runkel: What does the surname von Runkel mean?
The last name von Runkel is a German-language family name of aristocratic origins. It is derived from the old German word “runkel,” meaning “ruler.” It is a surname that was bestowed upon individuals who held positions of authority and power, such as rulers or landowners, during the Middle Ages. Historically, it was used as a prefix for noble families as a sign of their elevated status and privilege.
The earliest record of this name in Germany dates from the 13th century, when the family Haneburc von Runkele resided in the Rhineland-Palatinate area. They were listed as vassals of the Counts of Saarbrucken and held considerable land holdings in that territory.
In the 16th century, a branch of the von Runkel family was elevated to the position of baron and was titled the “House of von Runkel.” This baronial house was active in the regions of Hesse-Kassel and Prussia and was responsible for many military achievements, such as the defense of the Imperial State of Brandenburg.
The von Runkel family name continues to be used as a title of distinction in Germany today, typically indicating the bearer’s royal bloodline and a prestigious family ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Runkel: Where does the name von Runkel come from?
The last name von Runkel is most common today in Germany and Austria. In Germany, it typically originates from the Hesse region and the city of Fulda, which seems to be the area where the surname is most concentrated. The von Runkel family were prominent barons in early 17th century German history, a noble title that was passed down through immediate family members until the Patrimonial heriditary system ended in 1848.
More recently, von Runkel is also found in Sweden, which may be attributed to German immigrants who moved to the country during the 19th century. It is also sometimes found in the United States, where it likely arrived due to Germanic migrations in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. However, the name is much less common in the U.S. than elsewhere.
Overall, von Runkel is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today, with lesser concentrations in Sweden and the U.S. The family originally rose to nobility during the 17th century and its members took their last name from their ancestral place of power in the city of Fulda.
Variations of the surname von Runkel
The surname von Runkel is derived from the Middle High German words Run(c) and Kelle (in modern German, Ranke and Kelle), both of which mean 'tendril' and 'cudgel', respectively. It is an occupational surname, meaning the early bearer of the name was likely a person who made or sold cudgels. It is likely of Germanic origin and has been found in records going back to the 14th century.
Variants of the surname von Runkel include de Ranke, von Ranke, von Rönke, Ranke, and Rönke. During the 1700s and 1800s, many of the von Runkel family anglicized their surname to Rankin or Ranken. Many families with the surnames von Runkel, Ranke, Rönke, Rankin, and Ranken all have common ancestors and due to the sounding of the names, are connected, although not everyone with these surnames is necessarily related.
Though von Runkel is mostly concentrated in the area of its origin, Germany, the surname can also be found in other parts of Europe. People with the surnames von Runkel, von Ranke, and Ranke can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. Those with the surname Rankin can be found in the United Kingdom and Ireland, however due to migration it has spread around the world.
Though the spelling von Runkel has mostly remained intact, it – and its variants – have nevertheless been adjusted with new spelling developments. As an example, in Germany the spelling Yesterday was adjusted to von Runkel Yesterday in the 18th century, and now many modern families carry this spelling.
Famous people with the name von Runkel
- Franz von Runkel: an Austro-Hungarian Army officer who was part of the last Holy Roman Emperor's court.
- Fritz von Runkel: a German filmmaker, writer, and actor who directed several shorts films.
- Heinrich von Runkel: a German painter who painted mainly landscapes.
- Joseph von Runkel: a German naturalist who studied and wrote on zoology and botany.
- Kurt von Runkel: a German-Luxembourgish Olympic swimmer who competed in the 1948 London, 1952 Helsinki, and 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
- Alois von Runkel: a well-known German landscape painter.
- August von Runkel: an Austrian-German watercolorist, designer, and illustrator.
- Gert von Runkel: a German modernist sculptor.
- Jakob von Runkel: a German-born author and poet.
- Silvia von Runkel: a German film actress from the 1950s who was also known as the "German Jean Harlow".