Last Name Zemke

The surname Zemke is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name meaning "from the homestead by the riverbank." The first or original bearer of this surname likely lived near a stream or body of water with the word "Ze" (meaning "stream") and "Mühle" (mill) in its name. Over time, the name was anglicized to Zemke upon immigration to English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zemke

The meaning and origin of the last name Zemke

The surname Zemke is of German origin, derived from the place name Semnitz in Saxony. It is an occupational name for someone who lived near or worked at a mill on a stream named Samme or Semnitz, with '-mühle' added to form a compound word, which over time became Zemke. The name is also found as Semke and Zeman, and variations are common due to spelling differences resulting from changes in pronunciation, migration, and language shifts over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zemke

The surname Zemke has its origins in Germany and is primarily found in regions such as Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also common in Poland, particularly in the Silesia region due to historical migrations. In the United States, the largest concentrations of people with the surname Zemke can be found in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, likely due to German immigration waves in the 19th century. In Canada, Ontario and Manitoba have significant populations with this surname, reflecting similar migration patterns from Germany. The name is less common but still present in other European countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, indicating possible Dutch or Scandinavian origins for some Zemke families.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zemke

The surname Zemke can have various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Zeemke
2. Ziemke
3. Ziemka (Polish feminine form)
4. DeZemke
5. Von Zemke
6. van Zemke
7. Zaemke
8. Zamke
9. Semke
10. Siemke

These variations may originate from slight differences in pronunciation, misinterpretations during data entry or immigration processes, or intentional alterations to fit different naming conventions. Regardless of the spelling, they all share a common root: Zemke.

Famous people with the last name Zemke

Notable individuals with the surname Zemke include:

1. Ernst A. F. Zemke (1873-1961), a German mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to celestial mechanics, differential equations, and number theory. He worked on the orbits of planets and asteroids, and was a professor at the University of Göttingen.

2. Robert F. Zemke (born 1934), an American admiral who served in the United States Navy for over four decades. During his career, he commanded several ships, including the USS Constellation, and held key positions such as Chief of Naval Personnel and Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

3. Lothar Zemke (1920-2005), a German musician and conductor who founded the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra in 1964. He was also music director of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande from 1970 to 1980.

4. Carla Zemke (born 1973), an American actress known for her roles in television shows like "Mad Men," "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Walking Dead." She has also appeared in films such as "Juno" and "Charlie Wilson's War."

5. Derek Zemke (born 1987), an American racing driver who competes in the IndyCar Series. He won the Indy Lights championship in 2011 and has competed in the Indianapolis 500 multiple times.

Genealogical research on the last name Zemke

The surname Zemke originates from Germany, specifically in the region of Westphalia. It is derived from the Old German personal name 'Zehe' meaning toe or little finger, and the diminutive suffix '-mach', resulting in 'little Zehe'. The name was brought to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages as a result of the numerous migrations. In North America, Zemkes can be traced back to German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Variations of the surname include Semke and Zemka, which may have arisen due to spelling variations common during the medieval period. Notable individuals with this surname include Robert E. Zemekis, a renowned American film director, and John Zemke, a World War II flying ace credited with 20 aerial victories.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zemke"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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