Surname Mahnkopf - Meaning and Origin

Mahnkopf: What does the surname Mahnkopf mean?

The last name Mahnkopf is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "mahan" meaning "to make, do or take" and "kopf" meaning "head, summit" or "person". Therefore, the overall meaning of the surname is thought to be either "maker" or "head of a household" or "person in charge". The root of the name is very likely related to a function or title and meant to be associated with occupational surnames derived from a person's occupation. During medieval times it may have signified a person who was an important civic leader or a local headman.

As a patronymic surname, Mahnkopf is most commonly seen used as a surname in German-speaking countries. It was originally established in areas where the Germanic language and culture had a significant presence, such as Bavaria, Hesse, Prussia, and portions of Silesia.

Throughout the centuries the name has seen variations in spelling, but the most common spelling today is "Mahnkopf" or "Mehnkopf". It is also found in its variant forms "Mahngkopf" and "Machnkopf".

The surname Mahnkopf is largely still found in German-speaking areas today. It is not commonly seen outside of these countries. However, due to the movement of people throughout the world, it is possible to find the surname in areas where German immigrants have settled, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Mahnkopf: Where does the name Mahnkopf come from?

The surname Mahnkopf is most commonly found in Germany, especially in the regions of Hessen and Thuringia. It is derived from German words meaning ‘man’ and ‘head,’ and was originally given to someone who either held an important position or had a lot of authority. Over time, the name became prominent even further east, later found in Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. It is also believed to have some presence in China, Vietnam, and Ukraine, yet details regarding this are limited and not widely known.

In Germany, Mahnkopf is still fairly common, even today. It is primarily found in the regions mentioned earlier, though it can be found in other parts of the country, too. It is also quite popular among the descendants of those who emigrated to North America during the 1800s, mainly from regions in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and others along the eastern coast. Interestingly, the spelling of the name has varied over the years, with some of its variations including Mahncopf, Mancopf, Mancke, and Manke.

Variations of the surname Mahnkopf

The surname Mahnkopf has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Here is a list of some of the most common:

Mankopf, Mahnke, Manke, Mank, Manck, Mancke, Mankop, Manckopf, Manykopf, Mankof, Mancoff, Manker, Mahncke, Mahnk, Mahnke, Mannkopf, Menkopf, Mahnkof, Mannkop, Mannkaff, Manncoff, Manningkopf, Manngkopf, Mannkopff, Manyngkopf, Mank Kundt, and Manncopp.

Variant spellings and surnames of the same origin include Mahne, Mahnen, Manen, Mannen, Manne, Manenkopf, Marnekopf, and Mahnecke.

Variations of the surname may be seen in different countries. In Germany, the surname Manck or Mahncke is the vriant of Mahnkopf seen most commonly. In Sweden, the surname variant of Manck is often seen as Nank.

Mahnkopf is a frequent occurrence in Pennsylvania Dutch (German) settlements in the United States. The spelling is sometimes modified by the spelling found in the English language and appears as Mankopf or Manekepf.

The surname appears in various nation-wide census listings over the years. The spelling Manck was noted in an 1889 German source. The spelling Mannkopf was documented in Germany in 1298, and was most likely derived from the Old German words “mann” and “copf”, which translates to “man” and “person.” The surname Mahnkopf also appears in records from Australia in 1841. While the origin of the name is unclear, it has been found throughout Europe, as well as the Middle East, South Asia, and North America.

Famous people with the name Mahnkopf

• John Mahnkopf, an American sculptor and mixed media artist.
• Martha E. Mahnkopf, an American political scientist.
• Simon Mahnkopf, a German actor and director.
• Isabell Mahnkopf, a German visual artist.
• C.D. Mahnkopf, an American sculptor.
• Sarah Mahnkopf, an American photographer.
• Christa Mahnkopf, a German actress.
• Rebecca Mahnkopf, an American artist/illustrator.
• Robert Mahnkopf, a German actor.
• Greg Mahnkopf, an American professional hockey player.
• Mark Mahnkopf, an American photographer.
• Christina Mahnkopf, an American multimedia artist.
• R. Paul Mahnkopf, an American author.
• Amber Mahnkopf, an American singer/songwriter.
• M. J. Mahnkopf, an American visual artist.
• G.P. Mahnkopf, an American artist/illustrator.
• Thomas Mahnkopf, a German composer.
• Luisa Mahnkopf, a German journalist.
• Michael Mahnkopf, a German film director.
• Janina Mahnkopf, a German actress.

Other surnames

MahnkopMahnkopp