Last Name Ankermann

The surname Ankermann is of German origin. It is a habitational name from any of several places named Anker, Ankerode, or Anger, which are found in various parts of Germany. These place names are derived from the Old High German "ankari" meaning "hook" and "mansion" or "enclosure", referring to a homestead with hook-like projections into a body of water. The surname Ankermann may also be a variation of the Dutch and Flemish surname Anker, which has a similar origin but is derived from the Old Dutch word for "anchor".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ankermann

The meaning and origin of the last name Ankermann

The surname Ankermann is of German origin, derived from the Old High German term "Anker" which means "anchor," and "Mann," meaning "man" or "warrior." This name likely originated as a metonymic occupational name for a sailor, referring to the use of an anchor in navigation. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived by an anchorage, a sheltered place for boats. The spelling variations of the surname include Anker, Ankerma, and Ankerstine, all originating from the same root. Over time, as families migrated, the surname spread across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world, taking on different regional variations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ankermann

The surname Ankermann is primarily found in Northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and Germany. In Scandinavia, it is most common in Norway and Sweden, where variations such as Anker-Mann and Ankarman are also found. The name's origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages when Germanic settlers migrated to these regions. In Germany, the surname is predominantly located in the north, particularly in the states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Minor occurrences of the name are also found in other European countries like Denmark, Finland, and Poland. The diaspora has led to the distribution of the Ankermann surname in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it is most concentrated among descendants of early Scandinavian immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ankermann

The surname Ankermann has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical recording methods. Some common variations include Anker Mann, Anker-Mann, Ankermahn, Ankermaan, Ankermaen, Anker Mahn, Anker Maen, Anker Mayn, Anker Main, and Anker Mein. These variations may originate from errors in transcription, changes in spelling over time, or regional dialects influencing the pronunciation and subsequent recording of the name. Despite these differences, they all share the common root "Ankermann," which is likely derived from a combination of the given name Anker and the Germanic word "Mann" meaning man or warrior.

Famous people with the last name Ankermann

Notable individuals with the surname Ankermann include:

1. Hjalmar Anker (1863-1942), a Norwegian lawyer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Norway from 1928 to 1929.

2. Wilhelm Anker (1860-1917), a German historian, known for his work on the history of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

3. Jan Ankersten (born 1950), a Dutch musician who is best known as the bassist and backing vocalist for the rock band Golden Earring.

4. Andreas Anker (1872-1956), a Norwegian physician and politician who served as Minister of Defense from 1931 to 1933.

5. Torbjørn Anker (born 1939), a Norwegian sailor who won gold medals in the Star class at the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, history, music, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Ankermann

The surname Ankermann is believed to have originated from Germany, specifically in the region of Schleswig-Holstein. The name is derived from the Old Norse 'Anker' meaning anchor and 'mannr', meaning man or warrior, indicating a person who lived by an anchorage or was associated with sea trade.

Early records show that the name appeared in Schleswig-Holstein during the Middle Ages. As German settlers migrated, the Ankermann family spread across Europe, particularly to Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Notable individuals bearing this name include Johannes Ankerman, a prominent lawyer and politician from Sweden, and Hermann Ankermann, a composer from Germany.

In North America, the surname can be traced back to the 18th century with early settlers in Pennsylvania and later in other parts of the United States and Canada. The name remains relatively uncommon but is found predominantly among German-American and Scandinavian-American communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ankermann"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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