Surname Lankheit - Meaning and Origin
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Lankheit: What does the surname Lankheit mean?
The last name Lankheit is a Germanic variant of the surname, ‘Lankheit’, derived from a nickname based on the term ‘lang’, meaning ‘tall’. The German root of the surname might also afford it the meaning of ‘Happy’ or ‘Lucky’ and possibly suggest the bearer of the name as being blessed with height and with luck.
This last name originated in the Middle Ages and was crafted to identify people. The name has roots in both the north and south Germany, suggesting that perhaps it was relatively well-known in its period of appearances.
Variations of the last name Lankheit include Lankeit, Lankheit, Lankheerdt, Lankeert and Langheit. The last name is fairly uncommon and a rare find today.
The lastname Lankheit is an interesting one. It is a reminder that many surnames were derived from physical characteristics of kinds, either with a person's height, or grace with luck. In this case, ‘Lankheit’ means ‘tall and lucky’, and hints that perhaps the lucky bearer of the name enjoyed some good fortune in their life.
Order DNA origin analysisLankheit: Where does the name Lankheit come from?
The last name Lankheit is most commonly found in the United States today, though it is also occasionally seen in Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Lankheit derives from the German term "lankeit" meaning "slimness," and as such is likely derived from a person with a slender build, or possibly some time living in a region known for this characteristic.
In the United States, Lankheit is found most commonly in Pennsylvania, with the largest concentration being located in the city of Lancaster. This is followed by Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, with a nationwide average of roughly 550 people with the last name.
The Netherlands is the next-most likely place to find Lankheit, with a population there estimated to be in the low hundreds. In Germany, however, the distribution of the name is much less discernible, with the highest concentration of people bearing it located in the north of the country around Hamburg and Lubeck.
Wherever it might be found, it is clear that Lankheit is still a fairly rare surname, representing people of a unlikely origin. Those bearing the name are likely to find themselves as a part of an intriguing lineage, and a unique connection to the past.
Variations of the surname Lankheit
The surname Lankheit originates from Germany and it is found in a variety of variant spellings and surnames. These include Lonkheit, Lankeit, Lankheit, Longeit, Longeneit, Langeneit, Langkheit, Langedeit, Langedeitk, Langheid, and Laenheit. It may also be spelled as Lankhyt, Lankhight, or Lankhite. In some cases, the variant spelling could include a double consonant, such as Lankeheit, Longeeit, Langgeit, or Langheed.
The literal translation of the surname Lankheit is "long corner". It most likely derived from a geographic landmark, such as a corner of land with a distinct long shape. It is also possible that the surname could have been derived from a location with a long hall or building that was much longer than typical.
Some other variations of the same origin surname include Longkite, Langhett, Lengence, and Lengeit. Many of these variations are found in records from the 16th through 18th centuries, primarily in the German Reich states of Bavaria, Baden, and Westphalia.
In modern times, the surname is found throughout many parts of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also found in other parts of the world, such as Canada, the United States, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Lankheit
- Lisle Lankheit: Lisle Lankheit is a two-time NCAA individual national champion in the men's high jump. He competed for the University of Michigan in the early 2000s.
- Jeff Lankheit: Jeff Lankheit is a former NFL offensive guard who played for the Minnesota Vikings in the mid-1990s.
- Dorothée Lankheit: Dorothée Lankheit is a German musician who plays violin and viola. She has performed with orchestras around the world and has appeared on numerous albums as a soloist.
- Garrett Lankheit: Garrett Lankheit is a successful American photographer, known for his stylized portrait photography and commercial work.
- Bernd Lankheit: Bernd Lankheit is an award-winning German documentary filmmaker. He is best known for his films about post-war Germany and for his exploration of personal and cultural memory.
- David Lankheit: David Lankheit is a German politician and a former Member of the European Parliament. He is the vice-president of the European People's Party and has served in that role since 2016.
- Drew Lankheit: Drew Lankheit is an American actor and director, best known for his roles in the TV shows NYPD Blue and Law & Order.