Surname Backes - Meaning and Origin

Unravelling the Unexpected: Uncovering the Mysteries of My Surname 'Backes' Through An iGENEA DNA Test

I delved into my genetic line through an iGENEA DNA test, hoping to understand more about my surname ‘Backes’. What arrived were unexpected turns and intriguing surprises that didn't just uncover my Germanic roots but unexpectedly revealed an Eastern Mediterranean ancestry.

J. Backes

Backes: What does the surname Backes mean?

The surname Backes is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "bac" or "bak," which means "oven" or "kiln." The name was often given to a baker or someone who owned or operated a communal bake-oven. It could also potentially indicate a person living near a kiln or oven, or a place where bricks were burnt. As with many surnames, the exact meaning might vary based on regional dialects and historical contexts. Over time, the name has had different spellings, including Backes, Backs, Bacchus, and others. As people migrated, they carried their surnames with them, spreading it to different areas of the world. Today, individuals with the surname Backes can be found in many different countries, although it is more concentrated in Germany and the United States.

Backes: Where does the name Backes come from?

The surname Backes is of German origin. It's derived from the Middle Low German word "backe," which means "hill" or "ridge." Therefore, the surname likely began as a topographic name for someone who lived by a hill or ridge. The name could also possibly be linked to the occupation of baking, with "Backe" also relating to a term for a baker.

It should be noted that as with many European surnames, various spellings have developed over time and distances, such as Backer, Becker, Beck, Back, among others, resulting from regional dialects and differences in spelling conventions.

Today, the surname Backes is most commonly found in Germany, and it's particularly prevalent in the western region of the country, in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. Besides Germany, it can also be found among people of German descent residing in the United States, Brazil, and other countries where German communities are present. Nonetheless, it's still relatively rare compared to other German-origin surnames.

Variations of the surname Backes

The surname Backes has variations and has been spelled differently throughout history. Some variants may include Bäckes, Backus, Bacus, Backis, and Beckes. Some are a result of regional influences, language differences, or even simple misspelling.

Notably, the surname Backes is of German origin, and thus many variations could also be found in the countries where German is commonly spoken such as Austria, Switzerland, and many parts of Eastern Europe.

There are also surnames of the same origin that might not be immediately recognized as a variant of Backes. These generally include Becker, Beck, and Becher. These similar surnames trace their origin back to the same root word that refers to a baker or someone involved in baking.

Moreover, the surnames Backhaus, Backenhaus, Bakker, and Bakkus can be seen as variations, derivatives, or cognates of the name Backes, especially in Dutch-speaking regions.

In English-speaking countries, the spelling may sometimes be anglicized or simply phonetic, leading to the creation of unique variations such as Bakes or Baccus.

Famous people with the name Backes

• David Backes: An American professional ice hockey player who plays for the Anaheim Ducks in the National Hockey League (NHL).
• Justin Backes: A former American football defensive back who played college football at North Dakota State University.
• Jenny Backus: An American political strategist, media commentator, and president of Backus Consulting.
• Andrea Backes: a German graphic designer and author.
• Alexandra Backes: A German actress known for her work in several European film and television projects.
• Tobias Backes: A German footballer who currently plays for TuS Koblenz.
• Carl Ludwig Backes: A 20th-century author who wrote several religious-themed books.
• Jessica Backes: An international fashion model.
• Kelly Backes: The wife of NHL player David Backes, and well-known animal rights activist.
• Susie Backes: A travel writer based in the UK.
• Willi Backes: A German politician.
• Johannes Backes: A contemporary artist based in Germany. Please note this list may not include every single famous person with the last name Backes, as prominence can be subjective and could vary based on geography and interest.

Other surnames

BackeBackerBäckerBäckerbauerBäckersBäckert