Surname Linkenhoker - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Linkenhoker: What does the surname Linkenhoker mean?
The origin of the last name Linkenhoker is uncertain but has several possible origins. It could be German in origin, derived from the root word "linken," which means "to tie," or from the German word "hengst," which means "stallion." Alternatively, it could be of Dutch origin, deriving from the old Dutch word "koer," which means "stable" or "corral." It could also be American in origin, stemming from a Dutch "inken" or a German "linke" which both mean "neighbor"; someone who lived next door or close by.
The Linkenhoker surname is not particularly common but has been found in the United States since at least the 18th century. In 1775, a man named Abraham Linkenhoker appears on a list of freeholders in what is now Jefferson County, West Virginia. A search through online databases also reveals a number of Linkenhokers in the early 20th century in towns like Alexandria, Virginia; Easton, Maryland; Tippecanoe County, Indiana; and many other places.
The most likely derivation of the Linkenhoker surname is from a Dutch-German term meaning "neighbor," likely referring to someone who lived near or in close proximity to another. It may also be indicative of someone else in the neighborhood who was an expert trainer of horses. Ultimately, however, its exact origin and meaning remain a mystery.
Order DNA origin analysisLinkenhoker: Where does the name Linkenhoker come from?
The surname Linkenhoker has roots in German origin and likely is a regional name with connections to areas of Northern Germany. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it might be patronymic (derived from the name of a father or ancestor), occupational, or descriptive.
In the German language, "linken" could mean "left" and "hoker" could mean "hawker or peddler", implying an ancient ancestor who developed a reputation for being a left-handed peddler. However, without more definitive historical records, this is purely speculative.
Today, Linkenhoker is not a common last name worldwide. It is most prevalent in the United States especially in the state of Virginia, followed by Pennsylvania and North Carolina. In Germany, it is less common today, suggesting that members of the Linkenhoker family emigrated from Germany to the United States in the past centuries. It's important to note that conclusions about the surname Linkenhoker are difficult as it is quite rare, and specific historical records about its origin and distribution are lacking.
Variations of the surname Linkenhoker
Linkenhoker is a German surname, primarily found in Southwest Virginia, with a few records also found in Pennsylvania and New York. Other recorded spellings of the same surname include Linkenhofer, Linckenhofer and Linckenhoker, implying an origin in a German-speaking region. The spelling variations can be attributed to regional accents, literacy level and the innaccuracies in the record-keeping systems of the past. In addition, due to the shifting borders of Germany over many centuries, names of the same German origin could now be found in nearby countries including Austria, Denmark, or the Netherlands.
Because surnames often denoted occupations or geographical features, the name Linkenhoker might relate to locksmithing (from German "schloss" or lock), or a place name. Similarly, Linkenhofer could derive from "Hof" meaning court or farmhouse. However, without additional research into historical records, it is hard to determine all possible variants or related surnames definitively.
Many German surnames in the United States also underwent Anglicization, so it's possible there could exist further spelling variants of Linkenhoker that don't immediately appear German. Extensive genealogical research and DNA testing might be the best methods to discover these.
Famous people with the name Linkenhoker
- Duane Linkenhoker: American football player
- Vin Linkenhoker: Musician
- Rita Linkenhoker: Retailer
- Barb Linkenhoker: Artist
- John Linkenhoker: Civil Engineer
- Mark Linkenhoker: Author
- Lisa Linkenhoker: Surgeon
- Brian Linkenhoker: Politician
- Peter Linkenhoker: Marketing Executive
- Richard Linkenhoker: Businessman
- Mabel Linkenhoker: Nursing Instructor
- Sandy Linkenhoker: Physician
- Barbara Linkenhoker: Occupational Therapist
- Joseph Linkenhoker: Chef
- Florence Linkenhoker: Social Worker
- Tom Linkenhoker: Technology Artist
- Steve Linkenhoker: Musician
- Bob Linkenhoker: Geologist
- Tim Linkenhoker: Consultant
- Ira Linkenhoker: Wildlife Conservation Officer