Surname Firnkes - Meaning and Origin
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Firnkes: What does the surname Firnkes mean?
The last name Firnkes is an occupational surname, which means that it was derived from the job or profession held by the first known bearer of the name. The roots of the name come from the Middle High German words “firne” and “firnkeis,” both of which mean “a dealer in furs.” This suggests that the first person to bear the last name Firnkes was likely someone who worked with furs in some capacity.
In addition to fur traders, the name has been associated with those who worked in other areas related to the wool and fur industry, including sheep-shearers and cloth merchants. It is also likely that the name developed from a nickname for a person who had some kind of physical resemblance to a person who worked with furs.
In some cases, the name Firnkes may also have been derived from a place of origin, specifically in the Netherlands. The Dutch verbs “firgen” and “firnken” both mean “to travel,” and it’s possible that the first person to take on the name had done so because he often went to other places in search of goods to trade.
Overall, the last name Firnkes likely originated from an occupation related to fur, whether that was in the form of a trader, dealer, or some other form of craftsman or merchant. It is possible, however, that the name developed from a place of origin or a nickname with connections to fur.
Order DNA origin analysisFirnkes: Where does the name Firnkes come from?
The last name Firnkes is most commonly found in Germany today. The German genealogical research website, Ancestry, lists hundreds of records of people with the surname Firnkes.
Many German genealogy databases note that the large majority of the people with the surname Firnkes come from the German state of Hesse. Records indicate that the last name Firnkes is more commonly found in the city of Hannover, located in Lower Saxony.
Ancestors with the surname Firnkes are likely to have immigrated to Germany in the 1800s, with the largest population spike occurring between 1830 and 1839. Many of them were likely craftsmen, such as carpenters and coach builders, although there also were many farmers.
The last name Firnkes is also found in other parts of Europe, including Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands. It is less common in the United States, though there are several records of people with the last name Firnkes in the U.S. Census and other sources.
Overall, the last name Firnkes can be found in various countries today but is mainly located in Germany and especially in Hesse and lower Saxony.
Variations of the surname Firnkes
Firnkes is a surname of German origin. It can be spelled Firnks, Firnk, Furnk, Furnke, Furnkert, Furnker, and Furnkes. Variants of the surname may include Firnel, Furncel, and Furnel.
The earliest known record of the name appears in the year 1257 AD in Prussia when a 12 year old boy, Valentius Firnel, was sent by his aunt to Prague to be educated in the art of writing and bookkeeping. It is believed that prior to that, the Firnkes family name was used as a patronymic name derived from a parent's first name.
Over time, the variations of the surname spread further as people immigrated to various parts of Europe, the United States and Australia. Some of the adopted forms of the surname include Firnke, Furnke, Furnkert, Furnker, Furnk and Furnkes.
Interestingly, the German version of the surname is in fact the Anglicised version of the German surnames ‘Fierin or Fieringe’ and ‘Furninge’ which all derive from the Olde Germanic sounding ‘Fuharingi’. It is believed that the surname is derived from a personal name, therefore, as time has progressed, so too have the surnames. For example, Firnkes has been spelt Firnke, Firnks, Firnk, Fiering, Furnkel, Furnkelt, Furnkelts, Furnkert, Furnker, and Furnkes over the years.
Its widespread use in English speaking countries today signifies family members of a long distant past who may have immigrated to those lands. Thus, Firnkes is a surname of German origin that is spread across many countries and taken on many forms, spellings and surnames over time.
Famous people with the name Firnkes
- Kelly Firnkes: American television show host, best known for hosting Good Morning America Weekend Edition.
- Andrea Firnkes: American actress, best known for her roles in House of Cards, The Mindy Project, and Scandal.
- Stan Firnkes: American documentary filmmaker, director of the 2002 documentary, The War Room.
- Steve Firnkes: American musician, member of the rock band Crooked Still.
- Jesse Firnkes: American soccer player, member of the San Jose Earthquakes.
- Scotty Firnkes: Canadian ice hockey player, member of the Calgary Flames.
- Emmanuella Firnkes: American model, winner of the 2013 Miss Universe beauty pageant.
- Bjorn Firnkes: Swedish environmental scientist, professor at the Stockholm Institute of Technology.
- Helen Firnkes: British artist, known for her watercolor paintings.
- Creed Firnkes: American architect, known for his modernist structures.