Surname Menkens - Meaning and Origin
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Menkens: What does the surname Menkens mean?
The last name Menkens is an old German name derived from the word "Minken". This name is thought to have originated in the area now known as Lower Saxony in the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from a German word meaning "brave" or "strong".
The earliest documented use of the Menkens surname dates back to the 1500s in the German city of Köln. Records of the name appear in the hedgerow of the city in connection with a Guido Menkens and his family. The name was later spread more widely in the following centuries and gained followers as far as North America in the 19th century.
In the present day, the Menkens surname is associated with strength, courage, and wisdom. It is a name strongly connected to its German roots, but it has been embraced by many cultures and generations across the world.
In modern times, the Menkens family name can be found in countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia. It has also frequently been associated with high achieving individuals who have achieved success in music, sports, technology, and other areas.
In conclusion, the last name Menkens has a long and varied history. It is derived from a German word meaning brave and strong, and is now associated with courage, determination, and excellence. The Menkens name is found all across the world, from the 1500s to the present day, and it is still a proud part of many families and communities.
Order DNA origin analysisMenkens: Where does the name Menkens come from?
The surname Menkens is derived from the given name Menko. It is an Indo-European name and one of the oldest on record in Europe. In the Netherlands today, the name Menkens is quite common. The oldest documents containing this name are from the 13th century in Holland, and various records have been found throughout Europe since then. It is also found in Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe.
Menkens can also be found in the United States today, especially in the states with large Dutch immigrant populations such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio. It is also found in Canada, especially in Ontario. In South Africa, the surname is used as a performative surname derived from Mangosuthu, an honorary title.
The surname Menkens has spread far and wide, and can now be found in many places throughout the world. It is still one of the more common surnames in Europe, especially in the Netherlands where it is most prevalent by far.
Variations of the surname Menkens
The surname Menkens is of Dutch and German origin. It is derived from the Germanic personal name ‘Menno’, which means ‘man’ or ‘brave man’. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin are Mennen, Mennens, Mennig, Mennings, and Menning. Mennen is the Dutch spelling of the surname, with Mennens a variant spelling found in Germany. Mennig is a compound surname formed by combining Menno with the suffix ‘-ing’, while Mennings and Menning are found in the Netherlands and Germany respectively.
The variants of the surname are spread across Europe, with multiple spellings found in several countries. In Holland, it is commonly spelled as Menken or Mennen, while in German speaking countries it is very often found as Mennig or Mennings. In England and Wales, the spelling can vary; Menkens is the most common spelling in these countries, however Menkin, Menkens, Menkins, and Menkind may also occasionally be found.
The surname Menkens can be found in many forms today, with variants spanning several countries and regions. Other surnames descended from the same original name include Mennon, Mentink, Mentken, and Mentkenthorp. The surname has since spread to many other countries, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. As a result, many people bearing the Menkens surname will likely trace their ancestry back to Germany and The Netherlands.
Famous people with the name Menkens
- Alan Menken: Alan Menken is an American songwriter, composer, and conductor best known for his scores and songs written for Disney movies. From his work with Disney alone, he has won multiple Academy Awards, Tonys, and Golden Globe Awards.
- Mel Menken: Mel Menken is a lyricist, composer, and songwriter, and the brother of Alan Menken. He is the co-writer of some of the most iconic Disney songs and worked on the soundtrack of films like The Little Mermaid, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Pocahontas.
- Charles Menken: Charles Menken was a French footballer and manager who managed several teams in the 1950s. He also managed the French national team from 1978 to 1982.
- Michael Menken: Michael Menken is an American social entrepreneur who has worked for organizations like the Skoll Foundation, WWF, and the World Economic Forum.
- Judith Menken: Judith Menken is an American playwright and author of several books. Her plays include The Lost Traveler, Something in Common, and Good Morning Joe.
- Jos Manuel Menken: Jos Manuel Menken is a Dominican politician and former president of the Dominican Republic.
- William Menkens: William Menkens is an American historian and author of books about European and Latin American history, as well as veteran and military history.
- Samuel Menken: Samuel Menken was an American actor who appeared in several films and television shows during the 1970s and 1980s, including Las Vegas, The Rockford Files, and Hill Street Blues.
- Keith E. Menken: Keith E. Menken is an American Bishop of the United Methodist Church. He is currently serving as Bishop for the Kentucky Annual Conference.