Surname Renecke - Meaning and Origin
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Renecke: What does the surname Renecke mean?
The surname Renecke is a German surname of patronymic origin derived from the personal male name Reinhard. Renecke is a variation on the Germanic surname Reinicke, with the ‘e’ replacing the ‘i’. These names evolved from the Germanic personal name of Reinhard, a name that evolved from the Germanic element ‘ragin’ which means counsel or advice, and ‘hardu’ meaning strong or hard. Thus the name was originally given to someone who was wise or strong.
The surname first appeared in records during the 13th century and was widespread throughout the German and East European regions during this time. It is believed to have originated in the coastal area of what is now Poland, but the name is also found elsewhere throughout Europe, such as Scandinavia and parts of the British Isles.
Today, the surname Renecke is still prevalent in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. While the name Renecke has spread across the globe, its original roots remain firmly embedded in the German regions of Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisRenecke: Where does the name Renecke come from?
The surname Renecke is a relatively uncommon name today and is predominantly found in Germany. It is found most commonly in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, where it has had a presence for many centuries. It is also found in the states of Berlin, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein. There are also small numbers of Renecke families living in other parts of Germany as well as in neighbouring countries such as Luxembourg, France, Austria and Switzerland.
The surname is derived from a Germanic first name, Reinecke. This name was in use in Lower Saxony in the twelfth century and may refer to a well-known person of the time. The name Renecke is believed to be occupational in origin and may have referred to a landowner or ruler. There is also a theory that the surname was awarded to nobles during the Middle Ages.
Renecke is an uncommon name around the world and it is found primarily in Germany. In the United States, the surname is rare and is primarily located in New York and Pennsylvania, although there is also a small presence in a handful of other states, including California, Florida and Ohio. It is also found in Australia and Brazil, predominantly in areas settled by German immigrants.
Spelling variations of the surname Renecke include Ranecke, Rennecke, Renicky, Reinecke and Renecks.
Variations of the surname Renecke
The surname Renecke is derived from the German word ‘reneke’, which means ‘little reindeer’, and is also of Dutch origin. The variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin include:
• Renek
• Rennick
• Renick
• Renneke
• Rennicki
• Ranick
• Rennig
The surname Rennick was first found in East Prussia and Rhineland Regions of Germany and is most likely derived from this area. The earliest record of the surname was found in the 1200s in the German town of Rheinland, where the family was a prominent noble. The Rennick and Rennig variants were most likely derived from central Germany, and the Renek and Ranick variants were most likely derived from Italy.
The surname Renecke is the most common spelling of the name, and it is most commonly found in the United States. There are families with the surname living in the states of New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The Renek spelling is the second most common variant of the name, and is found throughout the United States. The Rennick variation is found primarily in the southeastern United States.
Outside of the United States, the surname is still found in large numbers in its homeland of Germany, particularly in Rhineland and Prussia. In addition to Germany, Renecke families can be found living in Poland, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
Famous people with the name Renecke
- Kristin Reneeke: American model and photographer.
- Christian Renecke: German former footballer and current coach.
- Hans-Jürgen Renecke: German hurdler.
- Fabian Renecke: German figure skater.
- Simon Renecke: German skeleton racer.
- Jonathan Kay Renecke: American television news producer.
- Jan Renecke: Austrian-German contemporary classical composer.
- Olivia Renecke: Danish journalist and TV host.
- Etelka Renecke: Austrian sculptor and painter.
- Matthew Renecke: American mixed martial artist.