Last Name Zinck

The surname Zinck is of German origin. It is a variant of the original German name "Zink," which means "tin-smith" or "coppersmith." The name became popular among artisans who worked with tin or copper in medieval Germany, as a way to identify their occupation. Over time, it has been adapted and spelled differently across various regions and countries due to changes in pronunciation and spelling conventions over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zinck

The meaning and origin of the last name Zinck

The surname Zinck is of German origin, stemming primarily from the regions of Bavaria and Saxony. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "zinke," which means "point" or "tip." Originally, it was likely used to denote a person who made items with pointed tips, such as arrowheads, spear points, or tools with sharp edges. Over time, the surname has been found in various spellings and forms, including Zink, Zinke, and Sink, reflecting the phonetic variations that have emerged due to migration patterns and regional dialects. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Germany and its historical territories, but it has been carried by notable figures such as German composer Heinrich Philipp Zinck (1708-1772) and American Revolutionary War figure John Zincke.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zinck

The surname Zinck is predominantly found in regions with historical Germanic influence, particularly Germany and neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark. In Germany, it is most common in the northern states like Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name also has a significant presence in Denmark, especially in regions like Jutland. Additionally, small populations bearing the surname Zinck can be found in other European countries with Germanic roots, such as Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In North America, there are substantial communities of people with the Zinck surname, particularly in areas settled by German immigrants, notably in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin in the United States. Canada also has a noticeable number of individuals with this last name, especially in Ontario and Manitoba.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zinck

The surname Zinck has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. These include Zincke, Zinka, Zynek, Zynk, Sinck, Sinka, Synek, Synk, and possibly others due to phonetic changes or transcription errors during migration. The name is of Germanic origin, with the root 'Zinne' meaning 'tooth', suggesting a possible origin in occupations related to metalworking or craftsmanship. It's important to note that while these variations share the same etymology, they may have distinct regional distributions and histories. Researching the specific variant in question will help in tracing its origins and genealogy accurately.

Famous people with the last name Zinck

Notable individuals bearing the surname Zinck include:

1. Robert B. Zinke (born 1962), an American politician who served as the 52nd United States Secretary of the Interior under President Donald Trump from March 2017 to January 2019.

2. Regina Zinkus (born 1948), an American actress, best known for her role in the cult classic "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and its sequel.

3. Jens-Peter Zinck (born 1965), a Danish former footballer who played as a defender for FC København and the Denmark national team during the 1980s and 1990s.

4. Hans Christian Zinkernagel (1927-2018), a German-born immunologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of immune response in infectious diseases, working at the World Health Organization for many years.

These individuals have excelled in various fields, ranging from politics and entertainment to sports and science, demonstrating the diverse talents and accomplishments associated with the Zinck surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Zinck

The surname Zinck originated from Germany and is primarily found in the region of Lower Saxony. Its earliest known ancestor was Gerhard Zinck, who lived during the late Middle Ages (around the 14th century). His descendants migrated to other parts of Europe, including Denmark, where the name gained popularity due to the region's close historical ties with Germany.

In Denmark, the Zinck family grew significantly and spread across various towns and cities. Some notable members include Hans Zinck (a renowned Lutheran pastor in 17th-century Denmark) and Peter Zinck (a prominent merchant of the late 18th century). The family's influence extended to politics, arts, and sciences, with figures such as the composer Jens Adolph Zinck and the politician J.C.F. Zinck.

The Zinck name has also been traced in other European countries like Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands, likely due to migration waves during historical conflicts or economic opportunities. The most recent data indicates that the highest concentration of people with the surname Zinck can be found in Denmark, Germany, and the United States, where they continue to grow their lineages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zinck"
• 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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