Surname Zinke - Meaning and Origin
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The iGENEA DNA Test: A Journey into the Lineage of the Zinke Surname and My Family Identity
Having undertaken an iGENEA DNA test, I discovered a newfound significance for my surname, Zinke, and an enriched understanding of my family identity. The DNA testing confirmed my deep-rooted lineage into the landscapes of ancient Germanic tribes, altering the way I perceive my connection to my ancestral heritage. I now view my surname as a beacon of my heritage and an emblem of individuality. Receiving these results significantly imbued my sense of identity with a symbolic appreciation of my historical lineage.
Y. Zinke
read moreZinke: What does the surname Zinke mean?
The last name Zinke is of German origin and is derived from the word “Zinke”, which means “spike” or “pointed tool”. The name refers to the trade or occupation of one who produces or works with pointed tools such as nails, spikes, or other various tools used to work metal.
The earliest records of the name Zinke in Germany date back to the late 16th century when it was used by various families who lived in the area. It remained an important name in Germany throughout the centuries, with many people bearing the name working in the trades that involved sharp objects or tools.
Today, the last name Zinke is still very prevalent in Germany and other German-speaking parts of the world. It is also fairly common in other parts of Europe, especially the Scandinavian countries, as well as in the United States.
In America, Zinke is the name of a U.S. Congressman, Ryan Zinke, who served as Secretary of the Interior from 2017 to 2019, and was responsible for managing many of the country’s public lands and natural resources. Ryan also ran for the 2020 Montana state governor’s election.
In addition, the last name Zinke is also connected to a fashion designer named Karen Zinke, who is well known for her glamorous evening and bridal wear. Karen has dressed celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, and Halle Berry, among others.
Order DNA origin analysisZinke: Where does the name Zinke come from?
The last name Zinke is an anglicized form of the German name Zinke which means "pincers". It is most commonly found in Germany, where it is estimated to be held by around 11,900 people. The southeastern German states Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have the highest concentrations of people with this surname.
In other parts of Europe, the surname is less common. It can be occasionally found in large German diaspora communities in Russia, Poland, and Denmark. But the bulk of the Zinke surname is concentrated in Germany.
In the United States, the surname Zinke is most prevalent in the Midwest region. This is likely due to the large number of German immigrants who settled in this area during the 19th century. According to the US Census, there are around 6,200 people with the surname Zinke.
Other places with a significant number of people with the surname Zinke include Canada, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, and South Africa. In these countries, the last name is most likely held by recent immigrants or their descendants.
Overall, the surname Zinke remains most common in Germany, where it is estimated to be held by around 11,900 people. It can also be found in other parts of Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, and South Africa.
Variations of the surname Zinke
The surname Zinke is a German-language name originating from the Middle Ages. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Zincke, Zinking, Tsingke, Sanke, Tsinke, Tsinck, Sadding, Zingke, Zinken, Zinck, Sink, Sinken, Synk, Synke, Sing, and Sinke.
The name is believed to have come from the Old High German “zinko” which meant “seal maker” and was popular mainly in Northern Germany. In fact, records suggest one of the earliest Zinke families to settle in what is now Germany came from Leipzig in 977 AD.
The name was likely adopted as surnames when German people started using them during the Middle Ages. Creative spellings, as well as the addition or subtraction of letters and other symbols, was a common practice during that time.
Due to the migration of German people to America during the 17th and 18th centuries, the name spread across Europe and the United States. It is now commonly found in the United States, Canada, South Africa, and other countries around the world.
In addition to these varied spellings, some people of the same heritage have adopted other surnames instead of Zinke. For example, Glockzin, Winkenbach, Winkensterin, and Tzinke are some surnames of the same origin.
The Zinke surname carries with it a long history and continues to be found in many different cultures due to its widespread distribution throughout the world.
Famous people with the name Zinke
- Ryan Zinke, American politician, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior
- Carsten Zinke, German conductor
- Jürgen Zinke, German football coach
- Michael Zinke, German artist
- Kay Zinke, American singer-songwriter
- Martin Zinke, German actor
- Eva Zinke, Austrian wooden flute player
- Gertrud Zinke, German politician
- Gerd Zinke, German chemist
- Bernd Zinke, German handball player
- Rüdiger Zinke, German football player
- Eberhard Zinke, German chemist
- Gottfried Zinke, German football player and coach