Surname Wendelken - Meaning and Origin
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Wendelken: What does the surname Wendelken mean?
The last name Wendelken is derived from the Germanic “Wente,” meaning “to turn” or “twist” and “ken,” which is believed to refer to a person with a particular type of expertise or knowledge. The combination of these two words suggests that those surnamed Wendelken were likely experts in turning or twisting something. Perhaps they were talented artisans who crafted items from rope or metal, skilled blacksmiths who fashioned tools from iron or gold, or purveyors of crooked deals and shady business practices.
The Wendelken surname can also be found in the Netherlands, where it is currently the fifth most popular name. Documentation suggests that the Wendelken family first appeared there in the 1500's. One possible origin of the name is derived from the Middle Dutch words "wendel," meaning "to turn," and "keun," meaning "common" or "ordinary." The combination of these words suggests a family that could adeptly turn everyday or common materials into something extraordinary and valuable.
The Wendelken family has been attached to a variety of different occupations and professions throughout history. Accounts exist of Wendelken's working as merchants, schoolteachers, and blacksmiths in Germany in the 1700's, as well as playing prominent roles in Dutch politics. Over the centuries, the Wendelken name has become less associated with skilled trades and more associated with the higher tiers of society, though its associated prestige weighs heavily on the family's history and legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisWendelken: Where does the name Wendelken come from?
The last name Wendelken is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. According to family search records, there are 487 people carrying the Wendelken last name registered in Germany, and 207 registered in Austria. The name is believed to have first originated in the northeastern part of Germany.
The meaning of this name comes from the pre-7th century Germanic words, “wend”, which means bend, and “kelch” which means chalice. This makes some believe that the name early translated to meaning “people of the bent chalice”. Another root could be from Wendel, an old Germanic personal name.
Today Lucas Wendelken and Christian Wendelken are two famous people with the Wendelken surname. Lucas is a professional baseball player, and Christian is a PGA tour golfer.
The Wendelken name can be found all around the world today, including the United States, where it is ranked at places 25,479th most common last name. Regardless of where it is found, the Wendelken name is thought to represent resiliency and strength to those that carry it.
Variations of the surname Wendelken
The Wendelken surname is a German-descended surname, derived from the Old German given name Wendelkon or Wendelin, meaning "friend of the wanderer" or "traveler's friend". The Wendelkens have derived a range of variants and spellings over the years, and may be found under the names Wendlen, Windelken, Wiedelken, Wendling, Wunderlin, and Vandeling. These variants are mainly found in Germany, particularly in the area of southern Bavaria and Franconia.
The Wendelken surname may also be encountered with a variety of alternate spellings, including Windelken, Wiedelken, Wenzelken, Wenderling, Venderlin, and Vondelken. These spellings are more common among families of Wendelken descent who have migrated to countries beyond Germany, and can be seen in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other European countries.
In addition to the Wendelken surname itself, the Wendelken family also includes other surnames of the same origin, including Vandeleken, Wenderling, and Wendelkenhausen. These surnames can be found in Germany, as well as among Wendelken families who have migrated around the world.
No matter what spelling or surname the Wendelken family may use, they all ultimately refer to the same Old German origin. The Wendelken surname is a reminder of the family's proud German heritage and their original genealogical roots.
Famous people with the name Wendelken
- Ryan Wendelken: a Minor League baseball pitcher who plays for the Oakland Athletics organization.
- John Wendelken: an American experimental psychologist and psychophysiologist who works in the areas of attention and memory.
- Dessa Wendelken: a journalist and author from Germany.
- John Henry Wendelken: an American lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General of New Jersey from 1933 to 1939.
- Barbara Wendelken: an Austrian-born pianist and professor of piano at the University of Washington in Seattle.
- Tony Wendelken: an American professional basketball player for the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League.
- Michael Wendelken: an American former professional basketball player and coach.
- Charles Wendelken- Wilson: an American professor of linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley.
- Carl Wendelken: a US Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
- Jake Wendelken: a baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics organization.