Surname Links - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Links: What does the surname Links mean?
The surname Links is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from Old English word "hlinc", meaning a ridge or hillside. Being a topographic surname, it was originally given to a person residing close to such a geographical feature, like a ridge, hill, bank, or a link of sausages.
However, in certain contexts, it can also be understood to denote 'links', as in connections or relationships, possibly suggesting that the earliest bearers of this surname were well-connected or held key positions within their communities. Yet it's more commonly accepted as a geographic surname rather than metaphorical interpretations.
It's worth noting that meanings of surnames can vary significantly based on regional dialects and historical contexts, including migration patterns and occupational shifts.
Overall, the surname Links is not very common and retains a distinct connection to natural landscapes consistent with many surnames of Anglo-Saxon heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisLinks: Where does the name Links come from?
The surname Links is believed to be of English and Dutch origin. The English variant is thought to be locational, derived from the Old English word "hlinc", which means a ridge or hillside. So families named Links could have lived near or on a ridge. On the other hand, in Dutch, "links" translates to "left", which might suggest the name was originally used to refer to someone who was left-handed or living to the left of a main settlement.
However, as with many surnames, there are likely multiple different origins for different families bearing the name Links. It's also important to note that the distribution of a surname can change significantly over centuries due to the movements and migrations of people.
Today, it is most common in the United States, followed by South Africa and England. Other countries like Germany, Australia, Canada and Scotland also have many Links families. The largest amount of them can nowadays be found in the state of Ohio in the USA. A surname's popularity can vary greatly within different regions of a single country, so the areas mentioned should not be considered exhaustive.
Variations of the surname Links
The surname Links can be presented in various forms and may have different origins. It may occur as Link, Linke, Linker, Linkson, and Linkman in English-speaking countries. These seemingly different surnames may have the same root, either originating from the Middle English term "linke" referring to a flexible plate in a coat of mail, or a variant of "lynch" possibly derived from the city of Lincoln, originally 'Lindum Colonia'.
In German-speaking areas, variants of this surname may also include Linck, Lincke, Lincks, and Lünks. Here, it could refer to someone living near a left-bend in a river (from the German 'linke', meaning 'left'). It might also derive from the personal name Link, short for names like Heinrich.
It's important to take into account regional differences, pronunciation, and spelling changes over time when tracing the origins of surnames.
Surnames do not always have a fixed spelling as they have evolved over the centuries, and many have been adapted to fit cultural and linguistic changes. So different spelling or variation of a surname doesn't necessarily mean they have different ancestry.
Famous people with the name Links
- Devin Link: Devin Link is a professional soccer player who currently plays for the USL Championship team Las Vegas Lights FC.
- Jerry Links: Jerry Links was a professional baseball player in the minor leagues from 1974 to 1981.
- Mark Links Jr.: Mark Links Jr. is an American composer, orchestrator, and conductor. He is an Emmy Award-winning composer.
- Patrick Links: Patrick Links is a Canadian professional golfer on the PGA Tour Canada whose best finishes were two top-five finishes in 2011 and 2012.
- Paul Links: Paul Links was a German composer, conductor, and organist. He wrote works in genres such as opera, symphonic music, and church choral music.
- Taylor Links: Taylor Links is a American fashion designer based in New York City. He is best known for assisting some of the world's most influential designers and creating luxury clothing items for his eponymous fashion label.
- William Links Jr.: William Links Jr. is an American theater and film producer and director. He was the recipient of the National Medal of Arts when he was honored for his contribution to the arts in America.
- Nolman Links: Nolman Links was an Olympic bronze medalist in track and field from Grenada.