Steinke

The name Steinke is a surname of German origin. It is generally considered to be a diminutive or variant of the name Stein, which means "stone" in German. Suffixes such as "-ke" were commonly added to surnames to indicate a smaller stature or a family connection. Thus, Steinke can be interpreted as "little Stein" or "belonging to the Stein family."

The surname Steinke can be found in various regions historically associated with German-speaking populations, including Germany, Poland, and the United States. Like many surnames, its distribution reflects patterns of migration and settlement over time.

Variations in spelling may include Steincke, Steineke, and other similar forms. Genealogical research is often required to trace the specific origins and history of a particular Steinke family line. The surname itself doesn't typically denote a specific profession or social standing beyond its derivation from "Stein," representing a connection to someone who perhaps lived near a prominent stone feature or worked with stone.