Surname Zuhlke - Meaning and Origin
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Unearthing the Zuhlke Lineage: A Voyage through DNA
The results from iGENEA brought forth surprising revelations about my Zuhlke lineage, tracing back to the Viking tribes of Denmark and their bold seafaring professions. These newfound insights not only altered my understanding of my ancestry but also prompted remarkable self-realizations and instilled a profound connection with my distant relations worldwide.
H. Zuhlke
read moreZuhlke: What does the surname Zuhlke mean?
Zuhlke is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "zülle", which refers to a beer tap, and "ke", a diminutive suffix. Thus, the literal translation of this surname would be "small beer tap". It is thought to have originated as an occupational surname for a tavern keeper or a maker of beer taps. Like many European surnames, the name gives a glimpse into the medieval profession or trade of the original bearers, reflecting the society of the time. Over time, the name has seen various spellings such as Zuhlcke, Zühlke, Zuhelke, among others. Today, people with the surname Zuhlke can be found in many parts of the world, bearing testament to the migration and geographical spread of individuals and families from their ancestral origins.
Order DNA origin analysisZuhlke: Where does the name Zuhlke come from?
The last name Zuhlke is most commonly found in German-speaking countries, with Germany being the primary nation. According to Forebears, a research group that tracks the usage and distribution of surnames across the globe, Zuhlke is the 14,496th most common surname in Germany. Zuhlke is found in both its original form, and various spellings, such as Zuhl, Zuhlke, Zuehlke, and Zuelke.
Tracing the surname's origin, Zuhlke is likely derived from the German word "zulke," which refers to something or someone that is actively engaged or industrious. The surname originated as a word describing a person's occupation or quality, and has been in use since the Middle Ages.
In modern times, Zuhlke is most frequently found in Germany and other German-speaking countries, such as Austria and Switzerland. According to World Names Profiler, an online resource for surnames, the majority of Zuhlkes—68%—reside in Germany. The second-highest population of Zuhlkes live in the United States, accounting for roughly 12% of Zuhlke populations worldwide, followed by Austria with 6%, and the Netherlands with 4%.
Variations of the surname Zuhlke
The surname Zuhlke is a German patronymic surname, meaning that it is derived from the personal name of a father or ancestor. It is derived from the German personal name "Zuhl", a pet form of "Zehl" which can be derived from Middle High German ‘zelle’ meaning "servant". This surname was first recorded in the 13th century and the earliest known record of the surname is found in a document relating to the city of Rostock in 1294.
Variants of the surname Zuhlke include Zuhl, Zehl, Zal, Zahl, Zahle, Selke, Szelke, Zuhlkee, Zulke, Zulkee, Zehlke, Zulke, Zuhlike, Sulke, Zeller, Selker, Sielker, Zehl, Zelke, Zuhlke, Zuleke, Zillke, Zuelke, Zuhlk, and Zoelke.
Many individuals with the surname Zuhlke have changed the spelling of their name to Zuhlk or Zuhlkeke in order to assimilate more easily. According to records, some of the most common surnames which have been anglicized from Zuhlke are Zulky, Zulke, Zillke, Zulka, Zulk, Zulcka, Zellka, Zehlka, Zulka and Zehlke.
Other associated surnames of the same origin - but with different spellings - include Saal, Sal, Saale, Sael, Saelke, Sielke, Siehlke, and Saalke.
The name Zuhlke is found throughout Europe, as well as North and South America. It is most common in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Famous people with the name Zuhlke
- Kurt Zuhlke: Known as a German artist of expressionism, mainly focusing on the topics of the sea and ships.
- Kelly Zuhlke: An award-winning American painter from Virginia; her work is inspired by nature, primarily outdoor landscapes of Virginia.
- Wolfgang Zuhlke: A German biophysicist specializing in the dynamics of physical processes, specifically swimming bacteria and their motility.
- Jana Zuhlke: An American film director and producer of documentary films that often feature tales of modern life, with a focus on the human condition.
- Hans Zuhlke: An American experimental filmmaker; he has produced over 40 short films and is the founder and former president of RES Media Group.
- Andreas Zuhlke: An Austrian designer and filmmaker; he is a winner of the Red Dot and Cannes Lions awards and he works on brand identity, print and digital media.
- Johannes Zuhlke: A German author, known for his published works such as the novel Kater Moormann and The Marchingham murders.
- Jakob Zuhlke: Is a Swiss actor, usually seen in Swiss theater and in Swiss television programs.
- Gustaf Zuhlke: A former Swedish politician and businessperson; he served in the Swedish Parliament and was the chairman for several Swedish financial companies.
- Maureen Zuhlke: An American attorney, activist and political expert; she is a board member for various non-profit organizations and campaigns for various causes.