Surname Zinken - Meaning and Origin
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Zinken: What does the surname Zinken mean?
The last name Zinken is German in origin and is derived from the word “zink,” meaning “tin.” As such, the name denotes someone who may have been a tin merchant or a tinworker. It is also possible that the name could have developed as a locational name from theochonetin regions in Germany, where people who lived close to or worked with tin deposits often took this name. Zinken is an uncommon name in Germany and still carries some of the same meaning today.
The last name is often associated with loyalty and dependability. People who carry the Zinken name are said to be steadfast and reliable, with extreme loyalty to those they are close to. They are also said to be hardworking and ambitious individuals who don’t take short cuts in life. People with this last name can be seen as optimistic, witty, and jolly.
As far as its global presence, the Zinken name is mainly found in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, it can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, England, France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With such a solid reputation for loyalty and dependability, it’s no surprise that this last name is still carried by many people throughout the world today.
Order DNA origin analysisZinken: Where does the name Zinken come from?
The last name Zinken is a surname of German origin. It is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also common in the United States, with an estimated 3,297 people bearing the name in 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The earliest known Zinkens to settle in the United States were Johann and Maria Zinken, who immigrated to Philadelphia from Bavaria in the 1850s. The couple left Bavaria in search of better economic opportunities, and Johann opened a small shop selling decorative metals, furniture, and other items. The couple had three daughters, who married and had children, expanding the Zinken family in the United States.
In Germany, the last name Zinken originates from the Midlands and today is especially common in Bavaria. Bavaria is the largest state in Germany by population, with 12.2 million people and an estimated 5,000 people named Zinken living there.
Though the last name Zinken is most commonly found in German-speaking areas, it is also found throughout the world. Canada had an estimated 330 people with the surname in 2015, and Australia had an estimated 438 live births with the surname between 1911 and 2013.
In conclusion, the last name Zinken is most commonly found in German-speaking areas, particularly in Germany and Bavaria, but is also found throughout the world in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The surname dates back hundreds of years and is the result of immigrants seeking better economic opportunities.
Variations of the surname Zinken
The surname Zinken is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German terms "zinke", meaning spike, or "zingen", which has to do with singing and music-making. Variations of this surname include Zincke, Zink, Zinck, Zinkh, Zinko, Zinkon, Zingel, Zinkenhoefer, Zinkensdorf, and Zinkensdorff.
Other variants of the surname Zinken include Zechen (from "zeche" meaning "payment"), Zechner (from "zeche" meaning "payment" and "ner" meaning "man"), Zincher (from "zinke" meaning "spike" and "er" meaning "man"), and Zimmerer (from "zimmer" meaning "room" and "er" meaning "man").
In Dutch, the surname is spelled "Zincken" or "Zinckens", and in French, it is spelled "Zinque". Alternative spellings for Zincke, Zink (or Zynck) are also seen in Dutch.
The surname encompasses a variety of related variants based on the original Middle High German root words. Variations of the name can be found throughout Central and Western Europe, but primarily in Germany and the Netherlands, among other countries.
Famous people with the name Zinken
- Martin Zinken, German stage actor, director and theater manager
- Carolin Zinken, German philosopher
- Faith Zinken, American singer-songwriter
- Eliot Zinken, Australian composer and producer
- Björn Zinken, Swedish film director and screenwriter
- Nancy Zinken, Canadian psychiatrist and therapist
- Ezé Zinken, Dutch sprint canoe athlete
- Amer Zinken, British political journalist
- Andreas Zinken, German marketer and marketing strategist
- Eva Zinken, German pop singer and TV presenter