Surname Henckels - Meaning and Origin
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Henckels: What does the surname Henckels mean?
The last name Henckels is of German origin and is a traditionally an occupational name that would indicate someone who was in the profession of working with metal blades. This may have referred to someone who worked in the manufacturing of knives or scissors, or a swordsmith.
The most popular and well known interpretion of this surname is that it likely originates in the German town of Solingen, the center for knife and sword manufacturing in Germany. Therefore, this type of name may have indicated someone who lived in that town and worked in the profession of making and sharpening blades.
The surname is derived from the German word “henkel,” which literally translates as “handle” and refers to the hilts of swords and handles of knives. This demonstrates how the name has its root in metalworking. It is possible that the surname developed as people working in the industry of blade manufacturing became known by this distinctive moniker.
In conclusion, the last name Henckels is of Germanic origin and seems to have been derived from traditional bladesmithing. It probably signifies someone who was an expert in the incidentals of metals and tools, a craftsman keenly aware of the precision needed in blade sharpening and production.
Order DNA origin analysisHenckels: Where does the name Henckels come from?
Henckels is a German surname that is still commonly found among the German population today. The surname is derived from the Middle High German term "Heinczle" or "Henzlens," meaning “descendant of Henczel.” The original form of this name is “Heinz,” which itself is derived from the Old High German words “Heim” (home) and “Zela” (spear).
Henckels is a popular surname throughout Germany, with a concentration around the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Henckels can also be found in areas of former German-speaking influence. For example, Heinczels can be found in Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.
The name is also quite common in the United States, particularly within the German American population. The 2000 census identified over 8,000 individuals in the United States with the last name Henckels. The states with the highest percentage of Henckels individuals were Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Iowa.
Louis Henckels, who immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1845, established the famous knife and cookware brand Zwilling J.A. Henckels. This may be the best-known reference to the name Henckels, particularly in American kitchens.
Variations of the surname Henckels
The surname Henckels is a German surname that is derived from the medieval given name of Heinkel. The name is most commonly found in the Westphalian and Rhineland regions of Germany. Other variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Hienckel, Henckel, Hinka, Hencken, Henklein, Hinckel, Heinckel, Hennekels, Heimckels, Hinkels, Hencke, Henkie, Hienkel, Hincken, Hennek, Henich, Henichs, Hinckels, Henkle, Henchel, Henkele, Henckelmann, Hencheln, Henckela, Hennekla, Heinckels, Henken, Hennckel, Hinckelmann, Henchel, and Henkela.
Henckels is an occupational name given to a craftsman whosemain profession was smithing or forging and was used thoughtout Central Europe and even Scandinavia. Henkel was also used as a familial name in what is now known as the Dutch province of Groningen. Dutch spellings can be easily mistaken for Henckels and usually come in the forms of Heinckel, Hinckel, Heincel, Hienscel.
The surname has many other variants originating from various different language speakers, religious populations, and immigration waves. Among them are English spellings Henckles, Hinkles, and Henkel. Polish, Russian, Czech, and Jewish spellings of the surname include Hienckel, Ginckel, Ginkel, Henckelmann, and Henkelman.
In total, there are many variants, spellings, and surnames all from the same origin of Henckels. All of these provide further evidence that the surname has been around for centuries and has had a great impact throughout numerous countries.
Famous people with the name Henckels
- Karl Henckels: Karl Henckels was a German government Minister who served as the Minister of Justice and Prussia from 1901 to 1913. He was a member of the Liberal Union and the conservative German National People's Party.
- Zwilling J.A. Henckels: Zwilling J.A. Henckels is a German kitchen knife manufacturer, established by Peter Henckels in 1731. The company produces kitchen knives, scissors, cookware, and other kitchen tools.
- Peter Henckels: Peter Henckels was a German missionary and author. Henckels was born in Bad Schwalbach, near Frankfurt, and graduated from the University of Jena. He was a co-founder of the Protestant mission in West Prussia and served as its spiritual leader from 1832 to 1842.
- Julie Henckels: Julie Henckels was a German actress in the early 20th century. She appeared in seven films from 1913-1924, most notably in the 1920 drama Weiberei.
- Henriette Henckels: Henriette Henckels was a German pianist and music teacher. She was born in Rastatt and studied piano under Hummel, Moscheles, and Beethoven. She was a successful concert performer and a patron of music.
- Wilhelmine von Henckels: Wilhelmine von Henckels was a German author who wrote plays and novels. She was a member of the German nobility and the granddaughter of Peter Henckels. Her novel Hypatia won the Schiller Prize in 1832.