Surname Neikum - Meaning and Origin
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Neikum: What does the surname Neikum mean?
The last name Neikum is of German origin and has multiple possible translations. The most common is “the near one” or “the near relative”, suggesting that the original bearer of the name had close family ties. It may also be derived from the German word neikum which means “neighbour”, further demonstrating its link to those up close and personal.
Regardless of the translation used, the name signifies closeness and relationship in the form of family ties. It could be used to refer to a close relative, someone of great importance, or just a trusted friend. It carries the idea of a special bond between two people. This could be especially significant for modern generations, as family ties and relationships can often be more distant than in times past. The Neikum name carries a reminder to maintain and cherish close ties with others.
This particular name is not often seen out of a German context, however many of the words from which it is derived have Latin origins. Thus, it is possible that some variations of the name with non-German contexts also exist. For example, the Latin translations of neikum would be vicinus, or propinquus, which are related to the modern English terms “neighbor” and “kinsman”, respectively.
Overall, the name Neikum carries strong associations with close relations, suggesting both familial and friendly ties. Its roots are firmly grounded in traditional German culture, but the translation of its various components suggests a universal message of the importance of relationships.
Order DNA origin analysisNeikum: Where does the name Neikum come from?
The surname Neikum is most commonly found in Central and Northern Germany. It may also appear infrequently in some of the nearby countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
The word "Neikum" is derived from two German words: "Nei" meaning "near" and "kum" which means "kin or family". It is believed to be an occupational name for someone who lived near a family or the relatives of another family.
Historically, the Neikum surname can be traced back to the early twelfth century and it was first documented in 1146. It appears to have originated from Bavaria, a region located in the south of Germany.
In modern times, the Neikum last name is mostly associated with German-speaking countries. According to a genealogical study from 2018, it is estimated that there are about 2,500 individuals worldwide who can claim the Neikum surname. The majority of them are located in Germany (around 99%), while a very small number live in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Overall, the Neikum surname is still relatively uncommon today. However, it is still actively used by a small population of people who are descended from German families and have preserved the name through the generations.
Variations of the surname Neikum
The surname Neikum (also spelled Neichem, Neykum, Neykum, Neykem, Neicum, etc.) is a variation on the surname Neikirk, which is derived from the German words “niemann” and “kirche”. This name was typically given to families who lived near a church when they settled in Germany during the 13th or 14th centuries.
The Neikum surname has spread around the world, and it can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In some cases, the spelling of the name has been changed slightly over time, resulting in alternate spelling variations like "Neichem," "Neykum," and "Neicum."
In some countries, the Neikum surname is commonly associated with Jewish families who immigrated from Germany and Eastern Europe. The surname is also associated with families of Scandinavian descent.
Some notable people with the Neikum surname include Christopher Neikum, an American politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly; and Mathilde Neikum, an Austrian table tennis player.
In addition to the Neikum surname, there are several other variation spellings, including Niedermann, Neukem, Neukirch, Neukov, Neyhamer, and Neuchim. These surnames are derived from the same German root words as the Neikum surname.
Famous people with the name Neikum
- Steven Neikum: American football quarterback
- Evynne Hollens: American Musican
- Tom Neikum: American singer-songwriter
- Holly Neikum: American actress
- Steven Neikum: American film producer
- Rachel Neikum: American musician
- Adam Neikum: American journalist
- Robert Neikum: American author
- Chris Neikum: Canadian television producer
- Melynda Neikum: American pageant contestant and model