Surname Genks - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Genks: What does the surname Genks mean?
The last name Genks is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "genck," which originally referred to a crossbowman or archer. Over time, the term has evolved to refer to a sharp-shooter.
The name is thought to have first been used as a surname in the Rhineland region of Germany sometime during the early Middle Ages. At this time, surnames were used to differentiate people from one another and could be based on profession, place of origin, or physical characteristics. Thus, the Germanic and/or Dutch term “Genks” may have been used to signify someone with exceptional skill and accuracy in shooting a bow and arrow.
Within the German language, "genck" can also be translated to "taut,” or “stiff," and this definition may have been used for people who were of tall stature or otherwise distinguished by physical traits. This is thought to have been especially favored as a surname in North and West German areas throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
The term “Genks” is still used as a surname in many parts of Europe today, and its unique and varied meanings serve to represent the rich heritage and history of its original bearers.
Order DNA origin analysisGenks: Where does the name Genks come from?
The surname Genks is most common among the Dutch-speaking population of Flanders, a region located in the north of Belgium. According to the research of the Central Bureau voor Genealogie (CBG), the name is found most frequently in the Dutch provinces of Flemish Brabant, East Flanders, and Antwerp.
Generally, the surname originated in the east of Flemish Brabant and Antwerp. The region was subject to frequent invasions or occupations throughout its history, which explains the wide distribution of the surname.
The prefix ''genk,'' which is included in the name, is thought to reference a geographic feature such as a hill, or a certain kind of terrain (e.g., a high ridge or hill slope facing east).
As is common with surnames of Dutch origin, the variants of Genks are numerous. Variations include Gemix, Gemeys, Gimens, and Gie, among others.
Today, the surname Genks is found in the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as in countries with recent Dutch immigration, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Genks
The surname Genks is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, especially in the Netherlands and Australia. It is derived from the old Dutch personal name ‘Genk’ and its variants - Genke and Gengs. It is also related to the German surname Genck, as well as the Dutch surname Geng.
Genks is usually spelled with an "s" at the end, but alternate spellings include Genck and Genke. The Dutch version of the surname is Gengs, and it is often represented as Gengh and Genghs. There is also an alternative spelling, Gengt, used in Denmark and Norway.
Other surnames of similar origin include Gengow, Gengert, Genga, Gengo, Gengos, Gengenbach, Gengenschwandtner, and Genker. These surnames may also be found in parts of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Genks is also an uncommon given name, derived from the surname. It is sometimes spelled Genke or Gengs, as well as less frequent variants such as Gencha, Genchas, Gentks, and Gente.
Finally, some of the related family names are Fgenck, Gencke, Gengler, Godgenk, and Gengker. These names are thought to have originated in Germany and Eastern Europe.
Famous people with the name Genks
- Ronaldinio Genks: Brazilian footballer
- Neo Genks: Kenyan cricketer
- Blaise Genks: South African musician and rapper
- Veselin Genks: Bulgarian artistic gymnast
- Carson Genks: American actor and model
- Majlinda Genks: Croatian-Serbian badminton player
- Jane Genks: Canadian children's television presenter
- Maryvonne Genks: French sprint canoer
- Nicky Genks: Dutch cyclist
- Alex Genks: Russian tennis player
- Mike Genks: English professional rugby coach
- Paul Genks: Malawian politician
- Kato Genks: Namibian wrestler
- Yuhi Genks: Japanese actor
- Ludo Genks: Belgian football player