Surname Nottenkemper - Meaning and Origin
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Nottenkemper: What does the surname Nottenkemper mean?
The last name Nottenkemper is an occupational name of German origin. It comes from the combination of the two Old German words 'notte' and 'kemper' and literally means 'district judge' or 'court jurist'. This denoted someone who was responsible for keeping legal records or judging cases within a certain district or court. It is believed that the name may have first been used in the 12th century, and its frequency was more commonplace during the Medieval period in Germany.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, a large number of individuals bearing the Nottenkemper surname migrated to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. This is likely because many families were forced to flee religious and economic persecution. Today, the surname can still be found in these countries and others, especially in areas where German culture is prominent.
The Nottenkemper surname is associated with a rich history and noble customs. It is a reminder of Germany's past and the importance of justice and law. It is a reminder of a strong, familial line and holds the potential for unlocking many doors to those who continue to bear the name.
Order DNA origin analysisNottenkemper: Where does the name Nottenkemper come from?
The last name Nottenkemper is most commonly found in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is one of the more frequently occurring surnames in the region, particularly in the cities of Münster and Dortmund. In the German language, the surname translates to mean “Don’t chicken out”. The name first arose in the Münsterland area in the 16th century, and is believed to have been derived from a family who were brave and unafraid.
Today, the surname Nottenkemper is most commonly found in Germany, where it is widespread throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also found in many other German-speaking countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the Netherlands. Outside of Germany, the surname is most common in the United States, Canada, and Australia, where it is found among the large communities of German immigrants who came to these nations during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The meaning of the surname, “Don’t chicken out”, suggests a trait of bravery and courage. Those who bear the name often carry a sense of pride in their ancestry, with the understanding that their family was once made up of individuals who showed fearlessness and strength. With each generation, the Nottenkempers hope to pass on the bravery of their ancestors, encouraging their families to continue their legacy into the future.
Variations of the surname Nottenkemper
The surname Nottenkemper is of German, Dutch and Frisian origin. It is derived from the origins of a place, a hamlet, or alternatively a tenanted farm that was located in the German language area.
Variants of the surname include Nottekemper, Nottekamper, Nættenkemper, Nåttenkemper,Notenkemper, Nottemeier, and Notemeyer. Each of these variants is likely derived from the original German spelling Nottenkemper, and may be found in various German or Dutch colonial areas, or even among settlers in the United States.
The surname can also be spelled with the Germanic letter 'ß', as Nöttenkemper. This spelling is more commonly used in Germany today.
Surnames with similar spellings include Nettenkemper, Nattkemper, Netkemper, Neetkemper, Neukamper, Neumann, Nottelmann, Nunnenkamp, Nundemeyer, Neumann, and Nuemann.
In the United States, one may also find variants of the surname spelt as Nottemeier, Notemeyer, Notte, Nottin, Nothum, Nootham, and Naples.
Nottenkemper families in Germany may be part of the House of Oldenburg, or they may come from an extended family based in North Rhine-Westphalia. In Netherlands, there are also Nottenkemper families with roots in Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, and Gelderland. In the United States, the Nottenkemper surname can be found in many states including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Arizona, and Oregon.
Famous people with the name Nottenkemper
- Christian Nottenkemper: German footballer who currently plays for Werder Bremen II and has previously played for other German clubs such as Fortuna Düsseldorf and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
- Robert Nottenkemper: German actor known for roles in films such as Schirkoa and A Wolf at the Door.
- Annegret Nottenkemper: German politician who served as the Minister for Federal and European Affairs in the cabinet of Helmut Kohl from 1989-1994.
- Hanns Nottenkemper: German inventor and entrepreneur who founded the company Nottenkemper GmbH & Co. KG, known for producing hydraulic motors, drives, and winches.
- Jan Nottenkemper: Dutch author and journalist who wrote a number of books on business and business management.
- Ingo Nottenkemper: German hurdler who competed for the German national team at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
- Melinda Nottenkemper: American singer and songwriter whose music has appeared in various films and television shows.
- Ewald Nottenkemper: German politician and member of the SPD who served in the Rhineland-Palatinate parliament from 1972-1992.
- Karsten Nottenkemper: German physician and Professor of Neurochemistry at the University of Ulm.
- Andreas Nottenkemper: German artist known for his abstract sculptures and installations.