Surname Harck - Meaning and Origin
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Harck: What does the surname Harck mean?
The last name Harck is a German surname. The name is derived from the old middle German "harke" meaning "rake". It was used to denote an occupation of raking or farming and was developed as an occupational surname for those involved in such activities.
In older German, this surname was likely derived from the word "harac," meaning to search, which could indicate that the original bearer of the surname was a metal or gemstone detector. This could mean the original bearers of the name were involved in exploring, traveling, and searching.
The surname could also possibly be derived from the Middle German word “Herc”, meaning warrior. This could mean the first person to bear this surname was likely stronger and more athletic than the other agricultural laborers in the area and may have served protection to them.
Today, the surname Harck is still most prevalent in Germany and other countries with German heritage. Those bearing the name are likely proud of their ancestors and the hardworking nature associated with the name.
Order DNA origin analysisHarck: Where does the name Harck come from?
The last name Harck is most commonly found in Germany, primarily in the northern states. It is also found in some other countries such as the United States, Brazil and Canada. It is estimated that there are about 800 people with the last name Harck currently living in Germany, with a few hundred more in each of the other countries mentioned.
In addition to Germany, Harck is a particularly common surname in the Netherlands. It is also found often in Luxembourg and France and to some extent in Belgium and England. In the United States, the Harck surname is primarily located in the northeast region, from Pennsylvania south to Georgia, and in the northwest region, in states like Washington and Oregon.
The Harck name has been around since at least the 14th century, and likely for longer. It is believed to have originally been used as a patronymic form derived from the name Harke, which was an old Germanic name that could refer to a person who put forth an extraordinary effort, or used strength and determination to accomplish goals.
Variations of the surname Harck
The Harck surname is believed to be of Germanic origin, with variants found in Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the United States.
The most common variant of the surname Harck is Harke, with alternate spellings often seen as Herck, Hark, Harker, and Harcker. In some cases, the name has been spelled Hersung or Hertung; however, this spelling is extremely rare.
In Germany, variants of the surname appear as Harck, Harke, Herck, Hercken, Herksen, Hark, and Hertung, while in the Netherlands, the same variants may be found, as well as Harkes or Harksen.
In France, the variants of the name Harck are Harc, Herc, Harckes, and Hercke.
In the United States, spellings of the family name are Harck, Herck, Hercken, Harker, Harcker, Harke, and Hark. It is believed that the name may have originated either in the Netherlands or Germany.
Common German variants of the surname Harck include Harc, Harckes, Harksen, and Hertung. While the spelling Hercke is found primarily in France, Harke is the most common variant of the surname in the United States.
Surnames of similar origin, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, often include Herck, Herksen, and Hercke. Other variants are Hark and Harcker.
Famous people with the name Harck
- Arno Harck: Danish actor and director, best known for his work in the Danish television series, ‘Borgen’.
- Rebecca Harck: American painter, sculptor, and graphic designer, best known for her multimedia works and sculptures.
- Richard Harck: German artist, best known for his landscape and figurative paintings.
- Friedrich Harck: German politician and diplomat, best known for serving as Foreign Minister of Prussia during the rule of Wilhelm II.
- Karsten Harck: Danish professional badminton player, known for competing in the Olympics in 1992 and 1996.
- Hans Harck: German mathematician, famously known for developing the Huckel theory.
- Charl Harmse Harck: South African tennis player who won three Grand Slam doubles titles.
- Johannes Harck: Swedish Evangelical preacher and anti-slavery activist, best known for campaigning against slavery in the 17th century.
- Ulla Harck: Swedish politician and businesswoman, most recently the Secretary General for the Swedish Liberal People's Party from 2005 to 2011.
- Henrik Harck: Danish author known for writing books on Danish culture and identity.