Renecke Surname

The Origin of the Surname Renecke

The surname Renecke is of German origin, derived from the personal name "Renke", which is a diminutive form of the name Renatus. Renatus is a Latin name meaning "born again" or "reborn". The name Renke was commonly used as a given name in medieval Germany, and over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname.

Renke in Germany

Germany is the country with the highest incidence of the surname Renecke, with a total of 166 occurrences. The name is most commonly found in the northern regions of Germany, particularly in the states of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. The prevalence of the surname in these areas suggests that the name may have originated in this region and spread to other parts of Germany over time.

Early References to the Name

One of the earliest references to the surname Renecke can be found in historical records dating back to the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, a noble family bearing the surname Renecke was recorded as landowners in the region of Saxony. The family played a prominent role in local politics and held significant influence in the region.

Another notable reference to the name can be found in church records from the 16th century. A Johan Renecke was listed as a parishioner in a small village in Lower Saxony. This indicates that the surname was already well established in the area by this time and had become a common name among the local population.

Renecke Outside of Germany

While Germany has the highest incidence of the surname Renecke, the name can also be found in other countries around the world. The United States, for example, has a small number of individuals with the surname Renecke, with a total of four recorded occurrences. These individuals are primarily descendants of German immigrants who settled in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Renke in South Africa

South Africa is another country where the surname Renecke is relatively common, with a total of 14 occurrences. The name was likely introduced to South Africa by Dutch and German settlers who arrived in the country in the 17th century. The Renecke family played a significant role in the early colonization of South Africa and were prominent landowners in the region.

Renke in England and Honduras

While the incidence of the surname Renecke in England and Honduras is relatively low, with only two and one occurrences respectively, the presence of the name in these countries suggests that the Renecke family may have had connections to these regions at some point in history. The exact origins of these branches of the family are unclear, but further research may reveal more about their history and migration patterns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Renecke has a rich history rooted in medieval Germany. The name is of German origin and is derived from the personal name Renke, which means "born again". While the surname is most commonly found in Germany, it can also be found in other countries around the world, including the United States, South Africa, England, and Honduras. Further research into the origins and migration patterns of the Renecke family may shed more light on the history of this ancient surname.

The surname Renecke within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same takes place in the case of Renecke, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in the majority of the countries of this globe. Just as you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of people using the surname Renecke is higher than in other countries.

The map of the Renecke surname

1. South Africa (166)
2. United States (4)
3. England (2)
4. Germany (1)
5. Honduras (1)