Last Name Anke

The surname Anke is derived from a diminutive form of various Germanic names that end with "an" or "ank". These include Ankward, Anken, and Ankelin. The "-e" ending suggests that it was once a female given name in Germany. It's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, and the specific origin of a particular family's name can depend on various factors such as region, migration, and historical record keeping. Therefore, it is always best to consult genealogical resources for the most accurate information regarding the history of a specific family's surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Anke

The meaning and origin of the last name Anke

The surname Anke is primarily of German and Scandinavian origins. It has two distinct roots: one derived from the female given name "Anne" or "Agatha," which have Old Testament origin as biblical names, and another derived from the Old Norse word "ágnarr," meaning "agile" or "alert." In some cases, the surname may be a pet form of the female given name Agnes, also of Latin origin, meaning "holy" or "pure." The use of surnames became more common during the Middle Ages in Europe as increasing population growth made it necessary to distinguish individuals with similar first names. As a result, the surname Anke spread across Germany and Scandinavian countries, eventually reaching other parts of the world through migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Anke

The surname Anke is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Switzerland, with higher concentrations in specific states such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Thuringia in Germany, and Aargau and Zürich in Switzerland. Additionally, smaller populations of individuals with the surname Anke can be found in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, due to historical migration patterns. The distribution of this name is relatively low compared to other common German surnames, but it maintains a strong presence within these specific geographical areas. It's important to note that the frequency and concentration of the surname Anke can vary significantly even within the regions mentioned above, with urban centers often showing lower concentrations compared to rural areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Anke

The surname Anke has various spellings and forms, primarily due to differences in transcription from one language to another, or regional dialects. Here are some of its recognized variations:

1. Anke: This is the most common spelling of the name, originating from Germanic languages. It's derived from ancient personal names such as Anne, Agnes, and Anna, which were popular in medieval Europe.
2. Aanker: This is a Scandinavian variant, where 'aan' is often used to denote a person's occupation or origin. In this case, it might be related to the old Norwegian word "åne," meaning "fire."
3. Anka: In some Slavic languages, such as Croatian, Polish, and Russian, Anka can be found as a diminutive of the name Agnes, Anna, or Antonia. It may also refer to a type of duck in these languages.
4. Aankho: This is an Indian variant that may have originated from the Sanskrit language, where 'aan' denotes 'without' and 'kha' could signify 'eating.' However, it should be noted that this spelling appears less frequently among people of Indian descent with the surname Anke.
5. Aanken: This is a Dutch or Flemish form of the name, where 'aan' denotes 'on,' and 'ken' could mean 'known' or 'acquaintance.' This spelling seems to be less common among people with the surname Anke.
6. Anka-Jensen: In Icelandic, it is common for last names to combine a personal name (in this case, Anka) with a patronymic suffix (-son or -dottir in Icelandic) to denote family lineage. Thus, Anka-Jensen would be the Icelandic equivalent of John Anke's son.
7. Aanko: This is a less common Finnish variant that may also have a connection with the word "åne" (fire).

Famous people with the last name Anke

Notable individuals bearing the surname Anke include:

1. Anke Engelke (b. 1969), a German actress and comedian who gained popularity through her work on German television, particularly the comedy sketch series "Neo Magazin Royale."

2. Anke Fischer (b. 1954), a retired female high jumper from East Germany, who won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1976, 1980, and 1988. She still holds the world record for the indoor high jump.

3. Anke Helfrich (b. 1964), a German actress and voice actress best known for her roles in various German TV series, films, and animated shows.

4. Anke Voss (b. 1980), a German biathlete who won a gold medal at the 2007 World Championships in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy. She also participated in the Winter Olympics in 2006 and 2010.

5. Anke Spendrup (b. 1974), a German actress, presenter, and model who is perhaps best recognized for her roles in various TV series, films, and commercials throughout Germany.

Genealogical research on the last name Anke

The last name Anke is primarily associated with Germanic origins, stemming from the Old High German name "Anhcin," which translates to "one-hearted" or "entirely strong." This name was brought to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages by German settlers.

The earliest documented record of the Anke surname can be traced back to the 13th century in Germany, with Hans Anke appearing in records from the town of Hagenau in the Grand Duchy of Hesse. The family branch then expanded across Germany and neighboring regions, including Switzerland and Austria.

As European migration increased during the late 17th and 18th centuries, Ankes can be found in North America, with early settlers arriving in Pennsylvania as part of the German immigration wave. Today, the Anke family name is most prevalent in Germany, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research suggests a high concentration of the Anke family in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, where the surname has been passed down for generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Anke"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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