Surname Korte - Meaning and Origin
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Tracing the Proto-Germanic Origins and Historical Migration of the Korte Lineage Through iGENEA DNA test
A journey into my ancestral history, unraveling through an iGENEA DNA test, introduced me to the origins and history of my surname, Korte. Rooted in North Germany with influence in various vocations, my lineage stems from Proto-Germanic tribes and has left a genetic footprint across Europe.
U. Korte
read moreKorte: What does the surname Korte mean?
The last name ‘Korte’ is an extremely common German surname, derived from the Dutch word ‘kort’. This translates literally to ‘short’, and, as a surname, serves to identify a person of short stature. The original Korte family is believed to have lived in what is now known as Lower Saxony, northern Germany. This name is also present elsewhere in Europe, including Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Though it is impossible to trace the origins of the Korte name, it is believed to have derived from the Middle Ages when it became popular to give children names that related to physical features – such as a short stature. During this time, it would have been a mark of prestige to have such an illustrious surname, and, as such, many of these families were well-connected and influential members of German society.
Today, the Korte name is still widely distributed across Europe. However, due to migration, there are also several Kortes living in North and South America, as well as Australasia. As a result of this spread of the name, Korte has become a symbol of a diverse and multi-cultural heritage spanning across multiple continents.
In conclusion, the surname Korte is an extremely common German name with a fascinating history. Its origin can be traced back to medieval times when people were given names based on physical features. Today, the name continues to be found in many countries around the world, symbolizing a diverse and multi-cultural heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKorte: Where does the name Korte come from?
The last name Korte is of German origin and is strongly associated with the regions of Germany, The Netherlands, and North America. In the United States, the name is most prominently found around Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and North Dakota. It is also common in British Columbia, Canada; and has some presence in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. While Korte wasn't always common outside of Germany and The Netherlands, the name has grown in presence and recognition as more German immigrants moved around the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In contemporary Germany, particularly the form Vogel Korte, is one of the most common surnames. It is most pronounced near the Rif Mountains, in North Rhine-Westphalia. This is where the earliest Korte immigrated after the 16th century. There are also several esteemed towns and communities in the surrounding area which bear the name and some locations in The Netherlands have variations of the name too.
In the United States, most people with the last name Korte are concentrated in the Midwest, Wisconsin in particular. Restaurants, hotels, and businesses branded with the name Korte can be found in heavily populatd cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. The name is also prevalent in parts of North Dakota and parts of the east coast, though infrequently.
Overall, the Korte surname is much more common in Germany, The Netherlands, and North America than most other parts of the world. The name is no strangers to the diamond of the rough towns and cities around North Rhin-Westphalia, and its reach can be seen in the midwest regions of the United States.
Variations of the surname Korte
Korte (or Körte) is a German surname of medieval origin, and it is believed to have originated from a place called Korten, an old-world Germanic settlement. The variant spellings of the surname include Körte, Kört, Körtz, Körtzli, Kortz, Kortzli, and Kortzling.
When the surname first appeared it was prevalent in parts of Southern Germany, particularly in regions such as Swabia and Bavaria. The primary occupation of those who bore the Korte name was farming. The surname was often associated with a large family estate where the Korte family would grow crops and also manufacture goods.
Korte is also a Scandinavian variant of the same origin, appearing most commonly within Denmark and Norway. As many Scandinavian names are, Korte is patronymic in nature. Common surnames from this origin include Kortenius, Kortegaard, Kortegard and Kortegaarden.
In the United States, the spelling of Korte has been adapted to new local variations. Examples of these spellings include Corte, Courte and Cortey. These spellings are typical of the Midwest region, such as in states such as Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Korte is also an Ashkenazi Jewish surname originating from the German Korte. It is said to be an adaptation of the Yiddish variation of Kort, which itself derived from the German Kort(en). The related French variations include Court, Corte, Cortey, and Courteau.
No matter the spelling, the Korte surname can be traced to its German medieval origin, where it was still used today in modern Germany from the static Korte to its many regional variations.
Famous people with the name Korte
- Greg Korte, an American journalist in Washington D.C.
- Chris Korte, a U.S. Olympic bobsledder
- Karl Korte, a German composer
- Mike Korte, a retired Major League Baseball pitcher
- Erich Korte, a German actor
- Nico Korte, a German rugby union player
- Johannes Korte, a Dutch theologian
- Jan Korte, a Dutch politician
- Frantz Korte, a German cyclist
- Jens Korte, a German composer
- Mirko Korte, a German long-distance runner
- Gregory Korte, a U.S. news editor
- Detlef Korte, a German football player
- Christian Korte, a German footballer
- Raymond Korte, a Dutch cyclist
- Katie Korte, an American actress
- Alexander Korte, a German football coach
- Monika Korte, a German paramedic