Surname Zink - Meaning and Origin
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Unveiling Identity: An Insight into Being a Zink Through Genetic Analysis
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M. Zink
read moreZink: What does the surname Zink mean?
The last name Zink is an old Germanic name derived from the Middle High German word 'Zinke', meaning 'point' or 'spike'. The most likely origin of this name is from the German nickname 'linksen', meaning 'left-handed'. It is believed that this nickname was used by those who were left-handed in order to distinguish themselves from others. It is also possible that the name evolved from the German word 'Zing' which is an Old Germanic word meaning 'to move quickly'.
Due to its Germanic roots, the surname Zink is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and the regions of the Czech Republic along with portions of Eastern Europe. In the US, the last name is found primarily in Pennsylvania and is believed to be a result of German immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries.
As with many surnames, the Zink name has evolved to phonetically resemble alternate forms such as Zing, Zink, and Zinck. In some cases, the 'k' is seen to be silent. The surname is also considered to be patronymic in some cases, as 'Zincker' is a form of the Zink surname meaning 'son of Zink'.
Overall, the Zink name is still a very unique surname and one that has been kept alive for centuries due to its Germanic roots. This is a name that will continue to be remembered for years to come, as each generation of the Zink family passes it on to the next.
Order DNA origin analysisZink: Where does the name Zink come from?
The last name Zink is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. It is a German surname, believed to have originated in Bavaria around the 14th century. The name is derived from zinke, the German word for a kind of jagged, teeth-like part used in medieval construction.
In Germany, Zink is the 42nd most common surname, while in Austria it ranks as the 33rd most common. The majority of those with the name are concentrated in the western areas of Germany, though there are also many living in Austria and France.
Within the United States, Zink is currently the 5,070th most common surname. It is thought to have been introduced to the US by German immigrants in the 1700s, though large clusters appear to have been established in several mid-western states around the mid-1800s. Since then, numbers of those with the name have grown steadily, and it may be found in all 50 states, with concentrations in areas such as Maryland, Pennsylvania and Missouri.
Within the UK, the name is far less common, making up only 0.02% of the population, though those with the name are mainly concentrated in London.
Overall, the surname Zink is still most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Europe, but it has spread across the globe in recent centuries, particularly to countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States.
Variations of the surname Zink
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Zink include Zinke, Zincke, Zinck, Zincken, Zinchen, Zynke, and Zinckmann.
The surname Zink is of German origin as indicated by the suffix –ink, indicating the family originated from Germany. It is likely derived from the Middle Low German word zinke, meaning “point” or “tip.” This suggests that the original bearer of the surname was located on or near a geographical point, such as the confluence of two rivers or a mountain peak. Alternatively, the name could also be derived from the Middle Low German word zinke, which referred to a bar used as a stirrup in horse riding.
Another possible origin of the name is an occupational surname derived from the Middle Low German word zinkere, meaning “tin manufacture,” or zincke, which refers to the related craft of tinsmithing. In this case, the surname would have been assumed by the artisan or craftsman as a distinctive name for their trade.
Variations of the original surname have evolved over time, as the name was assimilated into other local languages and dialects. For example, Zinke is a variation found in the Rhineland, and Zincke is a variant form of the surname, primarily found in East Germany. Another variant, Zincken, is an occupational name found in the Bavarian region in Southern Germany, and Zinchen is a more localized variation located in West Germany. Zynke is a variant found mainly in Polish surname, and Zinckmann is a common variation found in the Netherlands.
Famous people with the name Zink
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- Phil Zink, sound recording engineer
- Jason Zink, US Air Force fighter pilot
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- Marlene Zink, pediatrician
- Jamie Zink, contemporary jazz pianist and composer