Surname Pennebaker - Meaning and Origin
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Pennebaker: What does the surname Pennebaker mean?
The surname Pennebaker is of English origin, believed to be derived from an occupation. It is likely linked to the Old English terms "penne", meaning "pen" and "bocere", meaning "bookmaker" or "scribe". Thus, the name Pennebaker could imply 'maker of pens' or 'scribe', suggesting that the initial bearers of this surname were engaged in making of quills, or they were scholars, scribes, or clerks, individuals who needed to have a supply of pens or a relationship with the written word. Like many European surnames, Pennebaker would have been initially used to describe a person's profession or trade before it was adopted as a hereditary family name. However, interpretations can vary and some may argue it could have other origins or meanings. It is also worth noting that there are variations in spelling the name, including Pennebacker, Pennabaker, and similar.
Order DNA origin analysisPennebaker: Where does the name Pennebaker come from?
The last name Pennebaker is most common in the United States today. According to the United States Census Bureau, the surname Pennebaker ranks as the 1,119th most common name for those living in the US.
In terms of regional distribution, Pennebaker is particularly common in the Midwest and Northeast, with the greatest concentration of people with the last name Pennebaker living in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland.
The surname Pennebaker has Scottish and German roots and originally arrived in the US as part of the wave of European immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since then, the name has been spread further in the US, especially as family branches have moved and relocated across the country.
Although Pennebaker is most common in the US, the name is also found in smaller numbers in other countries like Canada, Australia, and England as well. In fact, the name can be found in nearly every country on Earth.
Overall, the last name Pennebaker is most common in the US, though it also has a presence in many countries around the world. With its roots in Scotland and Germany, Pennebaker has become a popular name among both European and American families.
Variations of the surname Pennebaker
The surname Pennebaker has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variants can vary from country to country, region, and even culture.
The most common variant of this surname in the United States is Pennebaker. It comes from the Middle High German words “penne” or “pfanne” which both mean “pan”, while the “baker” element of the name refers to a baker of bread.
In the United Kingdom, the most common spelling and variant is Pannabaker. This spelling was derived from the Old English word “panne”, which also means “pan”.
The Americanized spelling is often Pennebacker, while the Dutch version is Pennebekker. The Anglo-Saxon version is Pannabeeke, and its German spelling is Pannebäcker. In Scotland, the spelling became Pannebeker.
Other variants of this surname include the following: Pennebach, Pennebaker, Pennebecker, Pennebacker, Pannebaker, Pannebacker, Pannebecker, Pannebäcker, Pannabecker, Pannabacher, Pannabecher, Pannabäcker, Battabaker, Battabecher, Battabegger, Bittabaker, and Bittabacher.
In short, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Pennebaker include Pennebaker, Pannabaker, Pennebacker, Pennebecker, Pannebeeke, Pannebäcker, Battabaker, Battabecher, Battabegger, Bittabaker, Bittabacher, Pannabecher, Pannabäcker.
Famous people with the name Pennebaker
- Donn Alan Pennebaker, an American documentary filmmaker
- Chris Hegedus, an American documentary filmmaker and wife of Donn Pennebaker
- Frazer Pennebaker, an American television director and brother of Donn Pennebaker
- Bob Pennebaker, an American businessman and radio broadcaster
- Tom Pennebaker, an American scriptwriter and nephew of Donn Pennebaker
- Erin Pennebaker, an American television host and daughter of Tom Pennebaker
- Leafs Pennebaker, an American film producer and nephew of Donn Pennebaker
- David Pennebaker, an American actor and nephew of Donn Pennebaker
- Joe Pennebaker, an American publicist and son of Donn Pennebaker
- Jordan Pennebaker, an American actress and niece of Donn Pennebaker