Surname Kiencke - Meaning and Origin
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Kiencke: What does the surname Kiencke mean?
The last name Kiencke is of German origin and dates back to the late medieval period before 1700. The surname Kiencke is derived from the words ‘kien’, meaning ‘tall’ or ‘strong’, and ‘ke’, meaning ‘far-reaching’.
The Kiencke family was originally from the Pomeranian region of northern Germany, but many members moved throughout Europe. Several members of the Kiencke family were involved in migrant communities, and by the 19th century, members of the family had settled in the United States and Australia.
The Kiencke family can be traced through German church books, which record family arrivals, marriages, and information regarding occupations and education. The Kienckes were often in the military, crafts, and trades as well as in the clergy. Some wealthy Kienckes were appointed to prominent positions such as mayors and even counts.
The Kiencke family, housing a variety of different backgrounds, has no Coat of Arms and no one particular motto. As such, the Kienckes don’t have a predetermined family crest. Instead, the Kiencke name is a reminder of strong family bonds, heritage, determination, and resilience. Despite the different backgrounds of family members, the Kienckes are united by their surname.
Order DNA origin analysisKiencke: Where does the name Kiencke come from?
The surname Kiencke is common in the Northern European countries of Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. It's an old Germanic name that has been used since the Middle Ages.
In Germany, the Kiencke surname is mostly concentrated in the eastern and central part of the country. It is first mentioned as a name of a Knight in East-Westphalia in 1300. It is usually associated with the name of the area in which it is most common - Kienckenland, an area surrounding the city of Rinteln, located in Lower Saxony.
In Denmark, Kiencke is a common surname, especially in the south of the country. It is derived from the 14th century Danish word Kienke, which translates as "a brave warrior".
In Sweden, the surname is most common in the province of Jämtland. It is derived from the Old Norse given name Kinnamon, which means "headstrong".
In Norway, Kiencke is a fairly common surname and is especially concentrated in the Trøndelag region of the country. It is derived from the Old Norse given name Kvanke, which translates as "wise man".
Overall, the surname Kiencke is still a fairly common name in Northern Europe, particularly in the countries of Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Variations of the surname Kiencke
Kiencke is a surname of German origin. It is typically spelled Kiencke, but it can also be spelled as Kienke, Kiencken, or Kienken. The surname Kiencke is composed of two parts, "Kien" meaning brave and "cke" meaning small. As such, the meaning of the surname is historically associated with a brave and determined individual.
Variations of the Kiencke surname include Keenke, Keinken, Keinke, Kencke, and Kencken. Generally, the variations of this surname reflect regional dialects and phonetic simplifications as it was passed down through family lines.
Surnames of the same origin that have developed from the Kiencke surname include Kenke, Kenken, Kencken, Kenk, and Kienken. These surnames may indicate the migration of Kiencke surnamed individuals to different parts of Germany, as well as the anglicization of the original German spelling.
Other surnames that may be linked to the Kiencke surname are related to the meaning of the original name: Kinke, Kien, and Cken. These surnames occur in various cultures, suggesting that those bearing these surnames may have originated from the same family or be of the same ethnic or regional background.
In addition to the German surnames, the surname may also be found in other countries that use the Latin language. In such cases, the spelling can vary between Kiencke and its Spanish equivalent, Quienquiera.
Ultimately, the Kiencke surname is a relatively common German surname with many variations, spellings, and surnames of similar origin.
Famous people with the name Kiencke
- Sebastian Kiencke: German football goalkeeper most famous for playing for VfL Bochum.
- Gordon Kiencke: American film, television and stage actor, best known for his recurring role as Dr. Anderson on the NBC series ER.
- Paul Kiencke: German racing driver.
- Charles W. Kiencke: American naval officer and World War II veteran, mainly remembered for his involvement in the Battle of Wake Island.
- Uwe Kiencke: German rower who won a gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy.
- Mary Jo Kiencke: American actress and singer who has starred in the stage productions of Nine and Ragtime on Broadway.
- Gilbert A. Kiencke: American artist, inventor, and aeronautical engineer, particularly known for his contributions to the invention of the air-cushioned vehicle.
- Dr. Kari Kiencke: American clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Arizona.
- Ann Kiencke: American politician and former Rural Alaska License Commissioner.
- Till Kiencke: German actor, film director and producer most famous for his role in the movie Cat's Play.