Surname Damke - Meaning and Origin
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Damke: What does the surname Damke mean?
The Damke surname is of German origin, stemming from the region of Silesia. This region was divided between Germany and Poland following World War II. It is believed that the name was derived from the first name "Damian," which is derived from the Greek "Damianos," meaning "to tame." As such, the surname is thought to have been originally given to a tamer or subduer.
In medieval times, members of the name Damke mainly lived in eastern and central Germany. The name began to spread and grow in popularity beyond Germany during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Many of those bearing the name Damke traveled to North America, making the name much more widely spread.
Today, there are those whose last name is Damke in many areas, especially the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is an interesting name with a fascinating history, as it stems from a long European past and grows past the boundaries of several countries. Whether one's heritage is German or another, the name Damke is sure to inspire a sense of pride in any who bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisDamke: Where does the name Damke come from?
The last name Damke is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a German surname which is found throughout Germany and is fairly common in certain areas. In the city of Berlin, this surname is the 36th most common. It can also be found in other parts of Europe, particularly in the areas which were formerly part of the German Empire. There is also a significant diaspora in the United States, with the name being concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast regions.
The name Damke has its origins in the Middle Ages, with much of the historical information on the name emerging in the 1600s. Records from this time suggest the family was well-off with some being listed as landowners or millers. As time progressed, the Damke surname spread across Europe and was adopted in countries like Norway, Austria, and even Poland.
Whilst the majority of the Damke population lives in Germany, there are also branches in Scandinavia, Austria, Poland, and the United States. Whilst much of the Damke family remains in Germany, the diaspora of the family has seen them spread to other parts of the world. The Damke family is and was known for its strength, dedication, and a strong sense of duty.
Today, the Damke surname is a common name amongst German and European families, and while there is not a large population of this surname in the US, it has still had a considerable influence on the nation’s history and culture.
Variations of the surname Damke
The Damke surname originated from the area of Western Germany and Poland.
Spelling variations of the Damke surname include: Damcke, Damke, Demke, Dudeke, Damka, and Damka. Other possible variants include Daumke and Dąmke.
The Damke surname also has variations in spelling from language to language, and culture to culture. In Dutch, it is known as Damke and in German it can be spelled as Daemke or Dammke. Additional spellings include Damcke, Demkke, Dumke and Damkae.
In Scandinavia, variants of the Damke surname include Deinke and Daemcke.
In America, it may also be seen spelled as Danke or Danck and is sometimes found listed in records as Dank.
In eastern Europe, the Damke surname is sometimes spelled as Damk and other variants include Damkevich, Damkanov and Damchanov.
In France, it is sometimes found as Dampke, Dam-Chien or Damckien, depending on the region.
In Russia, the Damke surname is typically spelled as Damchenko or Damkovich.
The Damke surname has many regional variations, so it is important to consider when researching the origin and historical use of the surname.
Famous people with the name Damke
- Jan M. Damke was a German entrepreneur known for founding the Daemke Group in 1981.
- Thorsten Damke is a German biologist and professor at the University of Münster known for his research in molecular biology.
- Andrea Damke is a professional ice hockey player and part of the women's German national team.
- Elizabeth Damke-Taccino is an American stage actress, best known for her portrayal of Nala in Broadway's The Lion King.
- Peter Damke was a German politician, member of the SED and the Bürgerrechtsunion Berlin in the German Democratic Republic.
- A. Damke is a German author and scholar of astronomy and natural science.
- Liza Damke is an American singer-songwriter and founder of the independent record label, Brick City Records.
- Carl W. E. Damke was a German-American professor known for his work on medical virology.
- Gisela Damke is a German theologian and professor at the University of Münster known for her work on ethics and modern Christianity.
- Jojo Damke is a German actress and film director best known for her roles in such films as "Invasion of the Flesh Empire" and "The Forgotten Legend".