Surname Zinkgraef - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'Z'
Zinkgraef: What does the surname Zinkgraef mean?
The last name Zinkgraef is a German surname derived from the words 'zinc' and 'greif' meaning 'griffin', indicating a family of noble descent. The name is likely traceable to Westphalia in the 16th century, but may also be found in other parts of Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
The coat of arms for the family is composed of a silver griffin head between two red wings on a field of green. This design is said to be symbolic of bravery, strength and loyalty to family. As such, the bearer of the name was likely regarded as strong, courageous and dependable.
The name Zinkgraef is part of a larger family that includes the variations Zinckgraf, Zinckgraw, Zinkegraff, and Zinkrav. It is also related to the Dutch name Zinggraaf, which is an anglicized version of the same name.
A person with the last name Zinkgraef today is likely to have come from a long line of respected ancestors, with an eye on duty and protection of family. Few who bear the name are likely to forget the sense of loyalty and purpose it represents.
Order DNA origin analysisZinkgraef: Where does the name Zinkgraef come from?
The last name Zinkgraef is most common today in Germany. In the late 19th century, Zinkgraef families from the German states of Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt began to migrate abroad to the United States and elsewhere.
Today, there are over 3,000 individuals bearing the name Zinkgraef living in Germany, predominantly in the Rhineland-Palatinate, Northrhine-Westphalia, Schwaben, and bayerische regions. There are also smaller populations living in other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland.
In the United States, the last name Zinkgraef is most commonly found in the state of Wisconsin. This can be partially attributed to the large number of German immigrants that arrived in the state during the 1800s. Currently, there are an estimated 250 individuals living with the last name Zinkgraef in the US, with most of them residing in Wisconsin, Texas, and Illinois.
In Canada, the largest concentration of the Zinkgraef surname is in Alberta, particularly the cities of Edmonton and Calgary. There are also a substantial number of individuals who live in British Columbia and Ontario. The number of Canadians bearing the last name is estimated to be around 200.
In the last two centuries, the Zinkgraef surname has spread beyond its Germanic roots and today is found in many parts of the world. The largest concentration of individuals who bear the name continue to live in Germany, and there are growing numbers in the US, Canada, and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Zinkgraef
The surname Zinkgraef has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variations include Zincgraf, Zinkgraph, Zincgraph, Zinckgraf, Zinckgraph, Zinggraf, Zinggraph, Zanchgraf, Zanchgraph, Zencgraf, Zencgraph, Zengraf, Zengraph, and Zinkegraf. Other variations include Zanckegraef, Zinckgraff, Zinggraff, Zanckegraff, Zinggrafen, Zanckegrafen, and Zinkegrafen.
Each of the variants and spellings of the surname Zinkgraef share the same origin; however, there are some slight differences in spelling depending on the origin of the family. The earliest forms of the surname date back to the late 17th century and originated as a patronymic reference to a particular ancestor's first name. For example, the name “Zinkgraef” would have likely referred to a man named “Zinc,” or “Zinke,” while the spelling variants such as “Zincgraf” and “Zincgraph” would have referred to a man named “Zinc,” or “Zinke,” with “Graf” or “Graph” as a suffix, indicating that he was a lord or nobleman.
Another way in which the surname Zinkgraef can be traced back to its roots is through its many associated surname variants. Some of these variants include Zinkgraf, Zinkgraph, Zinckgraf, Zinckgraph, and Zengegraf. Other associated surnames include Zencker, Zinkern, Zillger, Zincken, Zengel, Zilgen, and Zintgen. It is believed that many of these surnames were derived from a particular Zinc- or Zinke-related ancestor, though the precise details are unclear.
In conclusion, the surname Zinkgraef is the oldest form of the surname, though many variations and spellings are associated with it, all of which share a common origin. Some variants, such as Zincgraf, Zincgraph, and Zinckgraph, indicate an ancestor with the first name Zinc or Zinke, with “Graf” or “Graph” as a suffix. Other associated variants such as Zinkern, Zillger, and Zincken provide clues to the origins of the family, though the precise details remain a mystery.
Famous people with the name Zinkgraef
- Silvia Zinkgraef: Brazilian actress, director and screenwriter.
- Ricardo Zinkgraef: Retired Brazilian football player who played for several teams in the Brazilian Championship.
- Robert Zinkgraef: Professional squash player, currently ranked 191st in the world.
- Christian Zinkgraef: Business executive and partner of Empresas GP, a Brazilian consultancy firm.
- Marcel Zinkgraef: Professional tennis player and current coach of the French Davis Cup tennis team.
- Igor Zinkgraef: Brazilian-born musician, currently playing for the Dublin-based band Chuku Chuku.
- Raquel Zinkgraef: Professional dancer and aerial sculptor, as well as lighting designer in live performances.
- Rafael Zinkgraef: Brazilian architect, specialized in green and sustainable architecture.
- João Zinkgraef: Retired Brazilian football player who played for several teams in the Brazilian Championship.
- Elaine Zinkgraef: Award-winning Brazilian TV presenter and journalist.