Surname Jänke - Meaning and Origin
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A Journey into Ancestry: Unveiling the Jänke Lineage through an iGENEA DNA Test
Using the DNA test at iGENEA allowed me to unlock the mysteries of my genealogy, including shedding immersive light on my family name, Jänke. The technical aspects of the test are scientifically sound, and the results they yield, steeped in probabilistic principles, are fairly accurate. My journey into the past via genetic revelation was a delightful fusion of science, history, and personal connections.
Z. Jänke
read moreJänke: What does the surname Jänke mean?
The last name Jänke is an occupational surname derived from a German word, which means hunter or fisherman. It was used to refer to an individual who followed the practice of hunting or fishing as their occupation.
Historically, the surname Jänke can be traced to northern Germany and its use is associated with Germany's common law of hereditary surnames, which dates back to the 12th century. At that time, due to the lack of fixed surnames, occupations were often used as identifiers. Occupations were chosen based on a man’s most important activities. Thus, surnames such as Jänke were created to describe people whose livelihood was derived from the practice of hunting and/or fishing.
The variant of the surname Jänke seen today is believed to originate from the Middle High German word Jander, meaning hunter. This indicates that the people who once held the last name Jänke were likely hunters and fishermen that had knowledge and skill in slaying and catching various kinds of game.
The Jänke surname is slowly diminishing in prevalence as it is carried by less than 3,000 people worldwide. Today, those who are of the Jänke descent are mainly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Order DNA origin analysisJänke: Where does the name Jänke come from?
The last name Jänke is most common in Germany today, particularly in the rural areas of northern Germany located near the Danish border. The name originated from the Middle Low German suffix ‘-inke’, which denotes a diminutive form. The term ‘janke’ is also used to refer to someone small or diminutive in northern Germany.
There are numerous other variations of the last name Jänke that have developed over the years, such as Janke, Jancken, Janken, Jancke, Jenke, Jencken, Jencke, and Jehncke.
In Germany, the most common region where the last name is found is the state of Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony). This region has a sizeable population of people with the last name Jänke, particularly in the northern part near the Danish border. Additionally, the last name is also found throughout the German-speaking regions of neighboring countries, including the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Overall, the prevalence of Jänke as a last name is closely associated with northern Germany, particularly in rural areas. Variations of the name are also found in other German-speaking countries, making it quite a common surname in the region.
Variations of the surname Jänke
The Jänke surname can be spelled in different ways including Jängke, Jenke, and Jänk. Some other surnames that have the same origin as the Jänke family name include Jank, Jankes, Jancke, Janker, Janke, Jenck, and Jencken. The origin of the surname Jänke is German and likely comes from the word "Jänge" which means "younger" or "a junior member".
The Jänke family name can be found in many different countries including Germany, United States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Brazil, and Finland. It is particularly common in the German-speaking regions of Europe, especially in Germany and Austria. The surname is mostly found among Germanic speaking populations, but it can also be found in parts of Scandinavia and eastern Europe.
The Jänke family name can be found in various European countries and has various other forms and spellings. The Jänke family name is primarily a German name and likely originated from the word "Jänge" which means "younger" or "junior member". Other variants/spellings of the surname include Jängke, Jenke, Jänk, Jank, Jankes, Jancke, Janker, Janke, Jenck, and Jencken. The name is especially common in Germany and other German-speaking regions of Europe, but it is also found in parts of Scandinavia and eastern Europe.
Famous people with the name Jänke
- Jelena Jänke: German writer/journalist and author of the trilogy "Der Garten des Mondes"
- Fred Jänke: German actor best known for his role in the TV series "Der Landarzt"
- Udo Jänke: Former German professional footballer
- Claus Jänke: Former German cyclist
- Angelika Jänke: German Paralympic Athlete
- Barbara Jänke: German writer and author of the novel "Luna erschafft die Welt"
- Sabine Jänke: German film director and producer
- Christian Jänke: German choreographer
- Hubert Jänke: Former German sprint canoeist
- Roland Jänke: German medievalist and Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Munich