Last Name Melk

The last name "Melk" is of Dutch or German origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German word "melk" or "melch," which means "milk" in English. The surname may have originally been a nickname for a dairy worker or someone who worked in the milk industry. Alternatively, it could have been a topographical surname for someone who lived near a dairy farm or milk production facility. The name could also have been given to someone who had a pale complexion, similar to the color of milk.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Melk

The meaning and origin of the last name Melk

The surname Melk is of Dutch and German origin, derived from the word "melk" which means "milk" in both languages. It is believed to have originally been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a milkman or in the dairy industry. The surname may have also been used to denote someone who lived near a dairy farm or had some association with milk production. Variations of the surname Melk can be found in other European languages, such as the surname "Milka" in Slavic countries. Today, individuals with the surname Melk can be found in various parts of the world, with concentrations in countries with Dutch and German heritage such as the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Melk

The last name Melk is relatively uncommon and is primarily found in Germany and Austria. In Germany, the name is most prevalent in the state of Bavaria, specifically in the cities of Munich and Nuremberg. It is also found in smaller numbers in other states such as Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. In Austria, the name Melk is concentrated in the Lower Austria region, where there is a town called Melk. There are also some individuals with the surname Melk in other European countries, such as Switzerland and the Netherlands, but in significantly smaller numbers. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Melk is relatively limited to the German-speaking regions of Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Melk

Variations and spellings of the last name Melk include Melck, Melke, Melki, Melka, Melch, Mälk, Melker, Melkow, and Mełk. These variations can be found in different regions and cultures where the name has originated or been adopted. In some cases, the spelling may also be influenced by phonetic translations or changes over time. The surname Melk is of German origin and is derived from the Middle Low German word "melk" meaning "milk." It is believed to have been a occupational surname for someone who worked as a milkman or a dairy farmer. This last name has been passed down through generations, with each variation retaining the essence of its original meaning and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Melk

There are no famous people with the last name Melk. The name Melk does not appear to be a common surname in mainstream celebrity or historical circles. However, this does not diminish the importance or significance of individuals with the last name Melk in their respective communities or fields of work. It is always possible that there are lesser-known individuals with the last name Melk who have made important contributions to their industries or have achieved notable accomplishments in their personal lives. While the name may not be widely recognized on a global scale, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the diverse range of backgrounds and experiences that exist within every family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Melk

The surname Melk can be of Dutch or German origin, derived from the Old High German word "melah" meaning a grayish color or a kind of meal. The name may have originally been an occupational surname for someone who worked with flour or meal. It is also possible that the name is of Jewish Ashkenazic origin, derived from the Hebrew word for angel. There are records of individuals with the surname Melk dating back to the 17th century in various regions of Europe, including the Netherlands and Germany. Over time, the name may have spread to other parts of the world through immigration and migration. Further genealogical research may uncover more specific information about the origins and branches of the Melk surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "melk"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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