Surname Poolke - Meaning and Origin
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Poolke: What does the surname Poolke mean?
The surname Poolke is a German name derived from the Middle High German word "pühlke" meaning “hiding-place, pool”. Eventually, this was anglicized into the surname Poolke.
The Poolke family first emerged in northern Germany, and is thought to have descended from an ancient ruling dynasty of the region. By the mid-14th century the Poolke family become an influential line cattle barons and landowners. This allowed them to become members of royalty associated with various Germanic dukedoms such as Saxonia and Thuringia. As a result of this, the Poolke family became one of the most powerful families in northern Germany at the time.
The Poolkes moved further south and west during the 16th and 17th centuries, eventually settling in the current nation-states of Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Poland. Many Poolke family members emigrated to England, America, and other parts of Europe from these countries during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, Poolke is a very common surname in the German-speaking world. Many Poolkes live in states such as Bavaria, Saxony, and Baden-Wurttemberg, with some still residing in Thuringia, their original homeland.
The Poolke family is known to be a hardy and independent people, who are heavily driven by their commitment to their values and heritage. A strong sense of loyalty towards family and community is one of the Poolkes’ most notable traits. Even today, they are known for their industriousness and resourcefulness.
Order DNA origin analysisPoolke: Where does the name Poolke come from?
The last name Poolke is most commonly found in Germany. It is believed to be of German origin and is an occupational surname derived from the German word "polecke" which means "laborer" or "worker". The name is also found in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
The most significant concentration of individuals with the Poolke surname are located in the region of North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany. This region has the highest population density in the country, with roughly one quarter of the German population living in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Additionally, Poolke is found throughout Germany, with a smaller concentration in Lower Saxony, Hesse, Rheinland-Pfalz and Baden-Württemberg. Outside of Germany, the surname is primarily found in the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
The surname Poolke is not particularly common today. It is estimated that roughly 500 people in the world currently have the surname Poolke.
In general, Poolke is considered to be a relatively rare surname and is likely the result of an ancestor's occupation as a laborer or worker.
Variations of the surname Poolke
The surname Poolke is a patronymic surname derived from the Hebrew male given name 'Pulki'. The name is found mainly in the Netherlands and Germany and is also known as 'Polke', 'Poulke', 'Pool', 'Pullke', 'Paulke', 'Pauke', 'Pullk', 'Polk', 'Pouke', 'Pullke', 'Poelke', 'Pullkeh', 'Pullekeh', 'Pullkeh', and 'Pulluke'.
The variation 'Poolkeh' is a variation on the original spelling (Pulki) and is a combination of the surname and the word 'keh', which is Hebrew slang for 'like'. 'Poolkeh' is most often seen in Jewish families, and is used as a nickname for someone who is known for their similarities to the original 'Pulki'.
The variations 'Paulke' and 'Pauke' are thought to be derived from a Low German dialect version of the surname. It is also possible that these variations derived from 'Pawlko', a variation on the original 'Pulki'.
The variation 'Polke' can be seen as a variation on 'Poolke', as it is very similar in spelling, although 'Polke' is the more common form of the surname.
The surnames 'Poulke' and 'Pool' are likely derived from the corrupted spelling of 'Pulki'. The surnames 'Pullke', 'Polk' and 'Pouke' are believed to be a fusion of the surnames 'Pool' and 'Polke'. The names 'Pullkeh', 'Pullekeh', 'Pullkeh' and 'Pulluke' are all combined forms of 'Poolke' and the Hebrew word 'keh'.
The variant 'Poelke' is used more commonly in Germany. It is thought to be derived from the Middle High German 'pölic', which means 'things of little or no value'.
Famous people with the name Poolke
- Don Poolke: a Canadian environmental photographer specializing in the depiction of Arctic Landscape
- Phil Poolke: a former professional basketball player from the Netherlands
- Bob Poolke: a former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Rob Poolke: a Belgian musician who plays the accordion
- Bill Poolke: a former American football defensive back
- Joe Poolke: an American actor, best known for starring in the movie Back to the Future
- Loretta Poolke: an American politician who served as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
- Mark Poolke: an American tennis player, who competed at the Wimbledon Championships
- Leslie Poolke: a Canadian synchronized swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Jessica Poolke: a British actress, best known for her roles in the TV series Sherlock and Doctor Who