Surname Palke - Meaning and Origin
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Palke: What does the surname Palke mean?
Palke is a surname of German and Polish origin. It is of occupational origin, derived from the Middle High German word “palke” which means ‘spade’, and is an occupational name for one who works with spades or shovels. In some cases, the surname may be derived from the Old Polish word ‘palka’, meaning ‘shovel’. This surname is still common among various populations in Central Europe.
Palke is a fairly common surname among those of Central European descent, and it continues to be used by many people in areas where German and Polish communities exist. It is also common among those of Jewish descent, as it may have originally been an occupational name used to indicate a certain profession, such as a labourer. It is also likely that some individuals of French heritage adopted this surname when they moved from Germany to France.
Palke is often found in records written prior to the modern era, such as in medieval chronicles and church records. As an example, a record from the 13th century mentions the ‘Palke family’ of Upper Bavaria. In Poland, the name can be found in the 18th century record books of the Registry of the Roman Catholic Parish of Gniezno.
Today, Palke remains a common surname among people of Central European descent all around the world. It is a reminder of one’s ancestors’ rich cultural and historical background.
Order DNA origin analysisPalke: Where does the name Palke come from?
The last name Palke is most common in India, with many different variants of the spelling found throughout the country. The Palke surname is most frequently found in the western Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, where it can make up as much as 0.7% of the population. The name is also present in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the national capital territory of Delhi, and the coastal state of Goa. It is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word Palki, which refers to a type of canopy or carrying chair used by Indian royalty during processions.
The Palke surname is associated with Rajput clans, with several important Rajputs belonging to the Palke clan. Some Palkes are descended from members of this clan, while others may have taken the name after one of the Rajputs.
The surname Palke is also found in other countries in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, though in much lower frequency. Outside of South Asia, the Palke surname is found in small numbers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Palke
The surname Palke is a variant spelling of the name Palk, and is derived from the Middle English word "palk," meaning "a pole, or a stake." The surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, as well as in the United States and Canada. Variants of the surname Palke include: Palk, Pahlke, Pallke, Palck, Palkes, Palko, Palks and Pawlke.
In English, the surname is typically regarded as being derived from the Middle English word “palk,” meaning “stick, staff, or pole.” This likely derives from the Anglo-Saxon “paelc,” meaning “post or stake.” Thus, the surname was originally given to someone living near an area full of Palke or Palkes (stake-like poles).
In Germany, the surname Pahlke is derived from the German “Bahlow” which means “palisade” or “fence of stakes.” This indicates that it was likely first used by someone living in or near an area with a fence of stakes or a fortified wall.
In France, the surname Palko is derived from the French “Pavillon” which means “tent.” This implies that the surname was likely first used for someone who lived in or near an area with a military-style tent.
In Sweden, the surname Palks is derived from the Swedish “Parlik,” which means “small stick.” This suggests that it was likely originally used for someone living in or near an area with a lot of small sticks or poles.
In Poland, the surname Pawlke is derived from the Polish “Pawłek” which means “small stick” as well. However, this variation of the surname likely has a different origin, as it is derived from the Polish word “paw” meaning “little” and “łek,” which is a diminutive of the word “łoś,” which means “elk.” Thus, this variation of the surname was likely given to someone living near an area full of little elks or herds of elk.
Famous people with the name Palke
- Dimple Palke: Indian film actress best known for her roles in the Marathi films 'Ti Sadhya Kay Karte', 'Aamhi Doghi', and 'Family Katta'.
- Margot Palke: American painter known for her abstract relief sculptures, which combine geometric forms with vibrant color palettes inspired by nature.
- Edward Palke: British pianist and composer who gained critical acclaim for his performances of Beethoven and Mozart.
- Matthew Palke: Film editor who has achieved great success in the film industry, having worked on projects such as 'The Hunger Games' and 'Thor'.
- Alexander Palke: Swiss artist who is considered one of the pioneers of abstract art in Switzerland. His works have been shown in numerous exhibitions across the world and have been acquired by museums and private collections.
- Shweta Palke: Indian television actress best known for her roles in popular serials such as 'Uttaran' and 'Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai'.
- Heidi Palke: German actress mostly known for her stage work, making her debut in the classic play 'Rhinoceros'.
- Lenny Palke: American singer and songwriter who has released several solo albums and collaborated with numerous established acts such as Janet Jackson and DA PUMP.
- Sam Palke: Australian actress best known for her roles in the television series 'Winners & Losers' and 'Upper Middle Bogan'.
- Mike Palke: Australian entrepreneur and businessman who is the founder of Palke Group, a company specializing in mineral exploration and renewable energy.