Surname Runke - Meaning and Origin
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Runke: What does the surname Runke mean?
The last name Runke is of German origin and is a topographical name for someone who lived near or on a ridge or outcropping of a hill. It is derived from the German word "Rücke" which literally means "a ridge or a hump". This name is found in records from the 16th century in Germany.
The Runke surname was found mainly in Prussia, which is today's Northeast Germany. It was a common name among families in Oldenburg, where the earliest evidence the name can be found. During the Middle Ages, these families were influential landowners who owned large farms and estates. In the 19th century, many people with the name Runke emigrated to America in search of better economic opportunities, and today, the Runke surname is among the most common German surnames in the United States.
Runke is a name that symbolizes strength, stability and perseverance, as its bearers have attained great success and prosperity in various countries. Those with this surname have earned the respect of their communities in both countries of origin and destination. The Runke name is a reminder of the importance of striving for excellence and achieving success no matter your circumstances.
Order DNA origin analysisRunke: Where does the name Runke come from?
The last name Runke is currently most commonly found in Germany. As of 2018, roughly 4,500 people in Germany had the Runke surname. In addition, it is known to exist in Ireland, Finland, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States.
In Germany, Hamburg is the state with the highest number of people bearing the name Runke, with about 1300 people having the surname. The second-highest concentration is in Baden-Württemberg, where about 500 individuals with the surname live. Bavaria and Brandenburg both have roughly 200 people with the name. More and more people with the surname are found in the northeastern part of Germany, such as in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
In the United States, there is an increasing number of individuals with the Runke surname. Texas is the state with the biggest concentration, followed by California, Missouri, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Other states, such as Illinois, New York, and Wisconsin, also have a significant number of people with this surname.
In Ireland, more than 13 individuals have the last name. Among those, there are families living in Dublin, Cork, and Kildare. As for the Netherlands,approximately 90 people with the surname Runke are currently living there.
In South Africa, people with this last name are mainly found in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Lastly, in Finland, an estimated fifty people have the Runke last name.
Variations of the surname Runke
Runke is a German surname derived from the Middle High German term ‘rundec’ which means 'powerful ruler.' Alternate spellings of the name include Runcke, Runck, Runk, Runkes, Runkes, and Runcker, all of which are considered variants of the same surname.
The meaning behind the Runke surname is found in the surname’s literal translation as ‘powerful ruler.’ This meaning would have likely been associated with a strong or significant leader or family, perhaps of nobility. It is also possible that Runke was a locative surname, derived from a place or region of the same name during the Middle Ages.
Variants of the Runke surname can be found in Germany and across the world in various forms. In the United States, for example, the Runke and Runk families are commonly found. Other variants such as Runkes, Runck, and Runcker are uncommon in the US, and instead more commonly found in other German-speaking countries such as Austria or Switzerland. Variants of the Runke name can also be found in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
The Runke surname is also sometimes mistakenly interchanged with the Runge surname. While both surnames originated in Germany, the Runge surname is derived from the Middle High German term ‘runge’ meaning ‘protection’ while Runke is derived from the Middle High German ‘rundec’ meaning ‘powerful ruler.’ While the surnames both originated in Germany, they should not be confused as they have different origins, spellings, and meanings.
Famous people with the name Runke
- Erich Runke – German sculptor and designer
- Mats Runke: Swedish poet, musician, and singer
- Maria Runke: German classical philologist
- Chris Runke: American professional golfer
- Bernd Runke: German football goalkeeper
- Robert Runke: American former professional baseball player
- Edward Runke: German mineralogist
- Martha Runke: Danish actress and professor
- Rodrigo Runke: Portuguese professional basketball player
- Walter Runke: German musicologist and composer