Hencke

Hencke is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the personal name Heinrich, which means "home ruler" or "powerful in his estate". The suffix "-ke" is a diminutive form. Therefore, Hencke likely originally referred to "little Heinrich" or "son of Heinrich".

The surname Hencke can be found in various regions of Germany and in countries where German immigrants settled, such as the United States and Australia.

Notable people with the surname Hencke include:

• Karl Ludwig Hencke (1793-1866): A German amateur astronomer who discovered two asteroids, 5 Astraea and 6 Hebe.

The name's prevalence and spelling variations may differ across different regions and historical periods. Further research into genealogical records and historical databases may provide more specific information about the origins of a particular family bearing the name Hencke.