Kortendick Surname

A Brief History of the Surname Kortendick

The surname Kortendick is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German word "kurz," meaning short, and "dick," meaning thick or stout. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was short and stout in stature. Surnames based on physical characteristics were common in medieval times when surnames first began to be inherited.

Early Origins of the Surname Kortendick

The surname Kortendick can be traced back to at least the 16th century in Germany. It is believed to have originated in the Rhineland region of western Germany, where it is still most commonly found today. The name may have originated in a specific village or town in the region, or it could have been adopted by an individual who migrated to the area from elsewhere.

According to historical records, the surname Kortendick was first recorded in the town of Dusseldorf in 1569. Over the centuries, the name spread to other regions of Germany and eventually to other countries as well.

Migration of the Kortendick Family

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many members of the Kortendick family emigrated from Germany to the United States in search of better economic opportunities and political freedom. The majority of Kortendicks who settled in the United States during this time were of German descent, and they often Anglicized their surname to Courtendick or Courtendike to better fit in with their new surroundings.

According to historical records, the surname Kortendick is most commonly found in the states of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, where many German immigrants settled in the 19th century. Today, there are still hundreds of individuals with the surname Kortendick living in the United States, primarily in the Midwest.

Modern Distribution of the Surname Kortendick

According to recent data, the surname Kortendick is relatively rare, with a total incidence of 51 individuals in Germany. In the United States, the surname is slightly more common, with an incidence of 160 individuals. While the name has not achieved widespread popularity, it continues to be passed down through generations of the Kortendick family.

Individuals with the surname Kortendick can be found in a variety of professions and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse experiences of the descendants of German immigrants in the United States and Germany. Some Kortendicks have embraced their German heritage and even returned to Germany to visit the towns and villages where their ancestors once lived.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Kortendick

While the surname Kortendick may not be widely recognized, there have been several notable individuals with this surname throughout history. One such individual is Karl Kortendick, a German archaeologist known for his pioneering work in the field of prehistoric archaeology.

Other individuals with the surname Kortendick have made significant contributions in various fields, including academia, business, and the arts. Despite the relatively small number of individuals with this surname, the Kortendick family has left its mark on the world in a variety of ways.

In conclusion, the surname Kortendick is a unique and distinctive name with a rich history and a small but dedicated following. While the name may not be widely known, it holds significance for those who bear it and continue to pass it down through the generations.

The surname Kortendick within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent occurs in the case of Kortendick, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that can be found in all of the countries associated with globe. In the same way you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals with all the surname Kortendick is more than in other countries.

The map associated with Kortendick surname

1. United States (160)
2. Germany (51)