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Last Name Anker

What is the origin of the last name Anker?

The surname "Anker" is of Old Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse word "ankarr," meaning "anchor." The name may have originally been used as a nickname for a steadfast or reliable person, or it may have been occupational, referring to someone who worked with anchors or on ships.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Anker

The meaning and origin of the last name Anker

The surname Anker is of German and Dutch origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "anker" and Middle Dutch word "anker," both meaning "anchor." The surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as an anchor maker or was involved in maritime activities. It may also have been used as a nickname for someone who was steady and dependable like an anchor.

Geographical distribution of the last name Anker

The last name Anker is predominantly found in Norway and Denmark. There are also smaller populations of individuals with the surname Anker in Sweden, Germany, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Anker

Anker, Ancker, Anchor, Anckor, Ankur, Ankor

Famous people with the last name Anker

1. Erik Anker - Norwegian yacht designer 2. Kirstine Anker - Danish philanthropist and women's rights activist 3. Missy Anker - American fitness instructor and social media personality.

Genealogical research on the last name Anker

The surname Anker is of Scandinavian origin and is derived from the personal name "Anker," which ultimately comes from the Old Norse name "Ankr." The name Anker is believed to have been a nickname for someone who was sturdy or steadfast. Genealogical research on the last name Anker reveals that it is most commonly found in countries such as Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. The name has a long history and has been passed down through generations in these regions. Individuals with the last name Anker have been recorded in various historical documents, such as church records, census data, and immigration records. Further research into the Anker surname may provide more specific information about the origins and migration patterns of individuals with this name. It is recommended to consult genealogical records, surname databases, and other historical sources to trace the family history of individuals with the last name Anker.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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