Surname Speek - Meaning and Origin
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Speek: What does the surname Speek mean?
The last name Speek is of Dutch, German, and Scandinavian origin. This surname is derived from the Middle Dutch word “spiek,” which means “cheek.” It’s possible that the name may have been used as a nickname for someone with pronounced facial features.
Alternately, Speek may have originated as a descriptive nickname for someone who was known for speaking eloquently. In this case, the word ‘spiek’ would have been associated with eloquence or verbal acuity in Middle Dutch.
Speek has been found as a surname in German records since the 1700s. In addition to Germany, people with this last name can be found in the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and other parts of northern Europe. In the United States, it’s an Americanized version of the Dutch surname Speede.
The person with this surname may have had a diverse collection of ancestors from across Europe. They may have had ancestors who were farmers, artisans, merchants, or members of the clergy.
Today, the Speek surname is found in many countries around the world. Some Speeks have become prominent figures in their respective communities, while others have settled in areas far from their family’s origins. No matter where they live, Speeks are a proud symbol of a shared ancestral history.
Order DNA origin analysisSpeek: Where does the name Speek come from?
The last name Speek is most commonly found today in the United States and the Netherlands. In the United States, the Speek family originated in the Mid-Atlantic states, where many of their descendants still reside. In the Netherlands, the Speek family is mainly concentrated in Zeeland and other nearby provinces in the western part of the country. Among American Speeks, Pennsylvania is home to the largest and most-concentrated concentration of the family. In the Netherlands, the Speek family has been documented as far back as the 1600s and is still found primarily in the western provinces.
Speeks in the United States trace their history back to a Colonial immigrant ancestor, likely coming from the Netherlands. The majority of Speek descendants live in the Mid-Atlantic states, where their ancestors settled during the colonial period. In the Netherlands, Speek is the tenth most common surname. The Speek family in the Netherlands is united by the ancient coat of arms of Speek.
Today, the Speek family is a large and widespread family. In the United States, Speeks can be found across the country, though most members remain in the area they first settled. In the Netherlands, the Speek family is still mainly concentrated in the western provinces, including Zeeland. Though the Speek family has a long and noble history, they have continued to keep their traditions, values, and heritage alive and thriving for centuries.
Variations of the surname Speek
Speek is an uncommon Dutch surname with a number of variants and spellings. The most common modern variants are Speek, Speeken, Speekes, Spek, Spekken, and Spekkes. The earliest records of the surname date back to the 13th century, when it was recorded as a patronymic form of the name Speek, derived from the Dutch word for “speaker”. The surname has slowly evolved over time, with spelling variations being affected by language and regional dialect.
The Speek surname is also commonly found in Germany, where it is spelled Speck, Specken, and Speckes. In France, the name is found as Le Speck. Historically, the surname has also been used by royalty and aristocrats in Europe. It is found as Spink in England and Specken in Scotland.
In the United States, the Speek surname is found in many states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The vast majority of American Speeks are descended from Dutch immigrants who settled in the New World in the 17th and 18th centuries. The estimated population of Speeks in the United States is around 12,000.
To sum up, Speek is a Dutch surname with many variants and spellings, including Speeck, Speck, Spekken, Specken, Speckes, Spekes, Spekkes, and Le Speck. It has a long history and can be found in many regions around the world, including Europe, the United States, and Canada. The estimated number of Speeks living in the United States is 12,000.
Famous people with the name Speek
- Alexa Speek: German figure skater
- Frank Speek: Dutch actor and comedian
- Jorben Speek: Dutch actor
- Maries Speek: Brazilian professional beach volleyball player
- Tim Speek: Former Dutch footballer
- Alexander Speek: German classical violinist
- Stephanus Johannes Speek: Former Dutch camogie player
- Maleah Speek: child model
- Arco Speek: Dutch graphic designer
- Dirkje Speek: Former Dutch figure skating coach
- Paul Speek: Former German politician
- Rob Speek: Former Dutch footballer
- Theo Speek: Dutch comedian and cabaret artist
- Caroline Speek: Danish TV host and actress
- Magda Speek: Dutch multi-disciplinary artist
- Joost Speek: Dutch entrepreneur and business consultant
- Aimée Speek: Dutch record producer and film composer
- Erwin Speek: Dutch movie director
- Monique Speek: Dutch life coach and author
- Charel Speek: Dutch former footballer