Last Name Nack

The surname "Nack" has Germanic origins and is derived from the Middle High German word "nacke," which means "back of the neck." It was originally an occupational name for a butcher, as the butcher would often cut meat from the back of the animal's neck. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone with a noticeable or unique feature on their neck. The surname is also found in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, where it may have a different origin or meaning.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nack

The meaning and origin of the last name Nack

The surname Nack is of German origin, stemming from various places across Germany such as Nackenau (Lower Lusatia), Nackel (Schleswig-Holstein), or the now Polish city Nekla (formerly known as Nackel). The name is thought to have been derived from a geographical feature like a small hill, knoll, or cape denoted by 'nacke' in Low German dialect. Alternatively, it could be an occupational name for someone who worked with nets, as 'Nack' could refer to a net-maker in Middle High German, although this interpretation is less common. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to linguistic and regional variations. The popularity of the Nack surname can be found predominantly among people of German descent, with significant numbers in Germany, the United States, Canada, and other countries where German immigration was substantial.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nack

The surname Nack is predominantly found in Germany and its surrounding regions, primarily due to its Germanic origin. In Germany, it is most frequent in the northern states such as Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Hamburg. Additionally, significant numbers of people with the last name Nack can be found in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. Emigration patterns during the 19th and early 20th centuries led to a scattering of families with this surname across North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, as well as Australia and New Zealand. The distribution of the Nack surname outside of its historical homeland is thus primarily a result of immigration from German-speaking regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nack

The surname Nack, or Nacke, has several variations due to spelling differences, regional influences, and historical transcriptions. Some common variations include Naack, Nache, Nahck, and Nakke. These variations can be found in countries such as Germany, where the name originates, as well as in other regions with Germanic settlements. In some cases, the name may also have been anglicized to Nock or Knack in English-speaking areas. It is important to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of any specific family lineage, as surnames were often altered during immigration and assimilation processes over time.

Famous people with the last name Nack

Notable individuals with the surname Nack include:

1. **Walter Nack** (born 1963), an American former professional football player who played as a fullback for the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL).

2. **Karl-Heinz Nack** (1945-2013), a German politician who served as the Mayor of Potsdam from 1986 to 1990 and again from 2001 until his death.

3. **Craig Nack** is an American animator, artist, and comic book writer, best known for his work on Marvel Comics titles like 'Spider-Man', 'Iron Man', and 'Fantastic Four'.

4. **Morris Nack** (1892-1976), an American lawyer and philanthropist who was the founding partner of law firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. He was also a significant benefactor to Princeton University and New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

5. **Gerhard Nack** (born 1947), a German film director who has worked on various television series and films, including 'Der Bergdoktor', 'Tatort', and 'In aller Freundschaft'.

Genealogical research on the last name Nack

The surname Nack is primarily of German origin, stemming from the Middle High German word "Nacke," meaning "neck" or "nape." Early records show the family emerging in regions such as Prussia and Saxony during the Late Middle Ages. Prominent figures bearing this name include Heinrich Nack, a knight who lived around 1400 A.D. in Silesia, and Matthäus Nack, a mayor of the city of Bautzen in the 16th century. The family immigrated to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, settling primarily in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. Notable American descendants include artists such as painters Lillian Orme Nack (1872-1944) and her brother Ralph Albert Nack (1869-1953), who were members of the "The Ten" group in New York City during the early 20th century. Today, the Nack family can be found worldwide, with concentrations in the United States, Germany, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nack"
• 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 June 2025

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