Winneke

Winneke is a surname of Frisian origin. It is a patronymic surname, derived from a given name.

Origin and Meaning:

The name "Winneke" is derived from the Frisian given name "Winne," which is a short form of Germanic compound names starting with "Win-" meaning "friend" or "joy." The suffix "-ke" is a diminutive, commonly used in Frisian and Low German to denote "little" or "son of." Therefore, "Winneke" essentially translates to "little Winne" or "son of Winne."

Geographic Distribution:

The Winneke surname is primarily found in regions with historical Frisian influence, particularly in the Netherlands (especially Friesland and Groningen) and in Northern Germany.

Variations:

Variations of the name, reflecting regional dialectal differences or spelling changes over time, may include Winnekes, Winneker, or Wenneke.

Notable People:

Due to the relative rarity of the name, there are few publicly recognizable figures with the surname "Winneke." Further research may be required to identify individuals of specific prominence bearing this name.

Further Research:

Genealogical research through historical records, such as church records, census data, and civil registration documents, can provide more detailed information about the history and distribution of the Winneke surname.