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Last Name Planke

What is the origin of the last name Planke?

The last name Planke is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "planke," meaning "plank" or "board." It is believed to have originally been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a woodworker or carpenter known for making planks or boards.

origin of the last name Planke

Learn more about the origin of the last name Planke

The meaning and origin of the last name Planke

The surname Planke is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "planken," which means plank or board. It is believed to have started as a topographic name for someone who lived near a plank bridge or footbridge. Alternatively, it could also have been an occupational name for a carpenter or someone who worked with planks of wood. The surname is primarily found in Germany and other German-speaking regions. Over time, variations of the surname may have developed as individuals migrated and settled in other countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Planke

The surname Planke is primarily found in Germany, particularly in the northern regions such as Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. It is also present in smaller numbers in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. Outside of Germany, the surname can be found in countries with historical ties to the Germanic regions, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The distribution of the last name Planke is relatively limited compared to more common surnames, with concentrations in regions where German immigration has occurred in the past. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Planke is reflective of its origins in German-speaking regions and subsequent migration patterns to countries with Germanic influences.

Variants and spellings of the last name Planke

The variations and spellings of the last name "Planke" include Plank, Planck, Planka, Planki, Planko, Planku, Plänke, Plänk, Plänck, and Plänka. These variations may differ depending on the region and language in which the name is used.

Famous people with the last name Planke

Some of the most famous people with the last name Planke include Peter Nicolai Arbo, a Norwegian historical painter known for his works depicting Norwegian history and mythology; Christian Ditlev Ferdinand Gotthard Planck, a Danish lawyer and politician who served as the Council President of Denmark from 1854 to 1856; and Johan Frederik Theodor Planke, a Norwegian architect known for his work on several prominent buildings in Oslo, such as the Norwegian Parliament building. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting legacy in the arts, politics, and architecture.

Genealogical research on the last name Planke

The surname Planke is of German origin and is believed to derive from the Middle Low German word "plank" meaning "plank" or "board." It was likely an occupational surname for someone who worked with wood or in carpentry. The earliest known records of the surname date back to the 14th century in the region of Germany. Over time, the surname Planke has spread to other countries such as Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Variations of the surname include Plank, Planck, and Plankt. Genealogical research on the surname Planke may reveal information about individuals who held positions as woodworkers, carpenters, or merchants involved in the lumber trade. Tracing the lineage of the surname Planke can provide insights into the ancestral roots and migration patterns of families bearing this surname.

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