Surname Noack - Meaning and Origin
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read moreNoack: What does the surname Noack mean?
Noack is a German surname which derives from the word "Nocken," meaning "knob." It has also been used as a nickname for someone who was small or thin. This name likely originated in the Middle Ages, as “knob” was often used to describe diminutive figures or shapes.
The great majority of people with the last name Noack come from Germany, where it is among the top 500 most popular surnames. It is also fairly common in other parts of Europe, particularly Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Many notable people from history and the present day have the last name Noack, including scientists, athletes, and musicians. Some famous Noacks include German swimmer Christian Noack, Austrian gymnast Gerhard Noack, and Dutch singer Leo Noack.
The last name Noack is a testament to the lasting impact of diminutive figures in various walks of life. Although the term "knob" has since evolved and changed, its legacy lives on in the name of those who are proud to carry it.
Order DNA origin analysisNoack: Where does the name Noack come from?
The last name Noack is most commonly found today in Germany. According to the 2019 Genealogy and Family Statistics, Noack is the 11th most popular surname in Germany. It is also found in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Poland.
The origin of the Noack name is believed to have begun in medieval Germany. The name Noack is derived from the Germanic personal name Anno, meaning graciously or from the Old High German noh, meaning now.
Tracing the history of the name Noack, it appears the surname was most likely formed when a large number of Germanic inhabitants moved from the German Rhineland area and settled in northern Brandenburg around 1250. Over the next few centuries, branches of the Noack family began to spread across Germany.
Today, the Noack surname is found in many forms such as Nock, Noch, Nöck, and Nocke. The name is also common throughout the US, where it is spelled as Noack, Nock, and Nocke.
Since the Middle Ages, the Noack family has produced individuals of renown, such as writers, architects, politicians, and businessmen. Tracing a family tree with the Noack name can provide an insight into its proud roots and highlight the important role Noack families have played in the history of Europe.
Variations of the surname Noack
Noack is a surname of German origins, believed to be derived from the given name Nodgger or Nothger. Variations of the surname include Naucke, Nougke, Nack, Noche, Nochke, Noch, Nogue, Nouge, Nowaki, Nowak, Nowicka, Nowicki and Nowitzki.
Noack is most common in Germany, but there are also variants of the surname prevalent in other parts of Europe and North America. In Germany, the spelling Noack is most popular, but Nougke is a much more common variant elsewhere.
In the United States, the most common variant of Noack is Nowak. This spelling evolved from a mistaken immigration officer's perception of the German letter ‘N‘ as an ‘M‘. Nowak is so widespread in the US that it is now almost synonymous with the Noack variant.
Because pronunciation of foreign names can be difficult for some immigrants, some surnames have morphed through mispronunciation. For example, Nougke may have become Nghe or Gogh due to misunderstandings and orphans of Noack may have adopted the spelling Noga.
In some parts of Germany, the spelling Noak is also used for legal documents.
The surname Noack has spread in all directions from Germany and can be found in many different countries in Europe as well as in North America. Regardless of the spelling, its German origins are clear.
Famous people with the name Noack
- Leah Noack: A well-known German actress, known for her roles in films such as "Love, Again" and "The Wave".
- Eric Noack: A former NASCAR driver and team owner who competed in the Cup Series from 1982 to 1986.
- Stu Noack: An American hockey player who played in the National Hockey League and the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1981.
- Clarence Noack: A former professional American football wide receiver in the NFL, who played for the New York Jets and Detroit Lions in 1969 and 1970.
- Paul Noack: A repatriates and landscape painter from East Germany. He was known for his attention to realism, and his landscapes of the countryside and hills of his homeland in East Germany are some of his most well-known works.
- Wilhelmine Noack: An actress and singer from East Germany who is best known for her work in films like "The Very Best of Love" and "Winter Trip".
- Maximilian Noack: A German-American ice hockey player who played for teams in the German Elite League (DEL), as well as for teams in the United States Hockey League and the North American League (NAHL).
- William Noack: An American artist who has produced works such as "Magnolia Park" and "Concerning Art and Life".
- Doreen Noack: A singer and songwriter from Germany, who has achieved some local popularity with songs such as "Dreamland" and "The Beauty of the World".