Surname Lübeke - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Lübeke: What does the surname Lübeke mean?
The last name Lübeke has its origins in the High German language, specifically in the Low German dialect. It most likely comes from the German word for love, which is liebe. The name may have originally been given to someone who was loving, kind, or compassionate.
Over the years, the meaning of the name evolved. During the medieval period, when people were heavily reliant on agriculture, the name became linked to the act of preparing land for farming. It was a reminder to be diligent and hardworking.
Throughout the centuries, Lübeke has spread across Europe and eventually North America. In the United States, it has become a common last name, particularly in the Midwestern region.
The name is now associated with reliability and loyalty and is indicative of a strong work ethic. It may even have been passed down through families to signify that the love between parent and child has been passed on for generations.
No matter the origin, the surname Lübeke carries a positive and timeless meaning. It is a reminder to exhibit loving kindness, to work hard, and to honor the families that have come before us.
Order DNA origin analysisLübeke: Where does the name Lübeke come from?
The last name Lübeke is most commonly found in Germany today. The last name is particularly widespread in the northwestern region of the country known as Westphalen. This region encompasses the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony and Rhineland-Palatinate.
The last name itself is of Germanic origin and the root word can be translated to mean “love”. It is likely derived from an old Germanic personal name, “Lovikki”, meaning “love”. This name was then later formed into the surname Lübeke.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname was one “Lupke”, in 1277. This was first found in the town of Brunswig, now known as Braunschweig, in the state of Lower Saxony.
Today, the Lübeke name is widespread throughout Germany, with the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony and Rhineland-Palatinate having the highest concentration. Almost 9,000 people with this surname are estimated to currently live in the country. The surname is less common in other countries, though there are a few families in the United States with this surname.
Overall, the last name Lübeke is most often associated with the German-speaking region, and it is easy to see why the name has been so popular there since its first inception.
Variations of the surname Lübeke
The surname Lübeke is believed to be of Germanic origin and appears to be derived "Lubeke" or "Lubke" from the Old High German name "Lupco". This surname has many variants including Luebke, Luebke, Lübke, Lubke, Lubecke, Leubecke, Leubke, Liebke, and Liebkötter as well as some spelling variations like Lubeck, Libke, Liebfeld, and Liebke. The names Leubeck, Lessbeck and Leubecker can also be found.
In some cases, the surname has also been altered to the English versions of Lubeck, Lubecky, Lubeckie and Luebecky.
The earliest record of this surname dates back to the 16th century when there was a Leubeke farmer living in the village of Hermersdorf, in the Prussian province of Silesia, at the time. He was likely part of the Lübeke family, which was an important noble family of knights and patrons of the arts in northern Germany.
In the mid-17th century, some families of the surname Lübeke were among the first settlers of New Jersey. The Lübke family, originally from Pommerania, Prussia, moved to the state in the 1800s.
Today, the surname is found in Germany, the United States, and elsewhere. Notable people with the name Lübeke include Jiahui Lübke, a German academic and author, and Robert Lübke, a German lawyer.
Overall, the surname Lübeke still remains a small and rare one to this day, but has managed to spread to different countries worldwide. It can be found in the original spelling "Lübeke" or in any of its variants and spellings.
Famous people with the name Lübeke
- Ludwig Lübeke: Ludwig Lübeke is a German football coach who has been a manager with a number of teams in the lower German football divisions.
- Fritz Lübeke: Fritz Lübeke was a German pioneering engineer who was a significant presence in the city of Kiel throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Peter Lübeke: Peter Lübeke is a German actor best known for his roles in the films In the Line of Fire, Angel of Death and Ahmad's Haircut.
- Tim Lübeke: Tim Lübeke is a German ice hockey player who won a gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2012.
- Jens Lübeke: Jens Lübeke is a German ski jumper who competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics, finishing 17th in the Individual and 18th in the Team large hill events.
- Bernard Lübeke: Bernard Lübeke was a German motor vehicle designer who developed the first mass-produced motorized three-wheeled car.
- August Lübeke: August Lübeke was a German author who wrote a number of novels, essays and travelogues during the early 20th century.
- Jonathan Lübeke: Jonathan Lübeke is a German contemporary artist who specializes in sculpture and installation work.
- Marike Lübeke: Marike Lübeke is a Dutch artist who uses photography to explore topics such as love, human relationships and identity.
- Manfred Lübeke: Manfred Lübeke is a German jazz musician and composer who is renowned for his jazzy arrangements of classical music.