Surname Sterk - Meaning and Origin
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Sterk: What does the surname Sterk mean?
The surname Sterk is of Dutch origin and it translates in English to "strong". This name likely originated as a nickname for a strong or robust individual, indicating physical strength or possibly moral strength or resilience. As surnames were often assigned based on a characteristic, occupation, or location, the Sterk name could imply that the family was known for their strength. It is also found in the South African community due to Dutch colonization and influence in the area. Like many surnames, Sterk might have different meanings and histories in different countries and cultures.
Order DNA origin analysisSterk: Where does the name Sterk come from?
The last name Sterk is most commonly found in The Netherlands, the country from which it originates. According to the website FamilySearch, as of 2020, the surname Sterk was the 4,992nd most common last name in the Netherlands. People with the Sterk surname are also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, particularly the surrounding countries of Belgium and Germany.
Worldwide, the name has spread to other continents, specifically North America, South America, Asia, and Australia. This is likely due to immigration. There is a notable presence of the name Sterk in the United States, particularly in the Midwest states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. These states all have well established Dutch communities due to failure in the Netherlands in the 19th century, as well as a Dutch Reformed presence, which has allowed the name Sterk to persist and even grow in these areas.
outside of Europe and North America, the name has also been seen in South America, specifically in Uruguay, where there is an estimated 700 families with the name Sterk. South Africa is also home to the last name, with over 400 of the name holding a South African citizenship. There are also small numbers of people with the Sterk last name found in Asia, specifically India, Pakistan, China, and Thailand, although the numbers are relatively small. In Australia, records of the surname begin in the 1940s, with an estimated 300 people carrying the last name today.
Variations of the surname Sterk
The surname Sterk is derived from a Germanic or Dutch word which means strong or powerful. It is believed to be derived from the Old High German 'sterc', which means 'strengthened' or 'fortified'.
The variants of the surname Sterk include Stark, Sterck, Sterke, Stercken, Sterckman, Sterckx, Sterkman, Sterkx and Sterg.
The alternate spellings are Staerck, Stercke, Sterke, Sterk, Sterck, Stercken, Sterkman, Sterkx and Sterg.
The surnames of the same origin are Harke, Harkema, Harkel, Harcks, Harken, Harkes, Harks, Harcke, Steark, Stearke, and Stearck.
These surnames are widespread throughout Europe, particularly in regions such as Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.
Some of the descendents of those bearing the surname Sterk settled in America as early as the 1600s. New World immigrants bearing the surname Sterk included Carolina Sterk and Maria Sterke who arrived in New York in 1738. Abraham Sterck arrived in Pennsylvania in 1748. Anna Elizabeth Sterk and Elisabeth Sterk both settled in Pennsylvania in 1805.
The surname Sterk has been assimilated into many cultures and languages. In some regions, it is spelled as Szterk. In Jewish Ashkenazic cultures, the surname is Stark or Sterke, while in Jewish Sephardic cultures, it is spelled as Farke or Farkeman. In Eastern Europe, the surname has been changed to Storc.
Famous people with the name Sterk
- Willem Sterk: Professional football player from the Netherlands and currently playing for PEC Zwolle.
- Alex Sterk: Professional ice hockey player from Canada. He currently plays for the North York Rangers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
- Johan Sterk: Former Dutch speed skating champion and current coach of the Dutch Olympic team.
- Marleen Sterk: Executive Director of Policy at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.
- Martijn Sterk: Dutch entrepreneur and investor, founder of Beeztees, a leading pet supplies company. 6.Suzanne Sterk: Dutch politician and former State Secretary of Defense from the Labour party.
- Larry Sterk: American professional basketball coach who has worked in the college and international ranks.
- Dirk Jan Sterk: Dutch historian, professor at the University of Amsterdam and member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.
- Jakob Sterk: Dutch rower who won a silver medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
- David Sterk: American artist and sculptor, best known for his public art installations.