| ![Show Contents]() Lenker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany Austria is the homeland of the Lenker family. Originally, the Austrian people were known only by a single name. The process by which hereditary surnames were adopted in Austria is extremely interesting. The process took place during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Early Origins of the Lenker familyThe surname Lenker was first found in Austria, where the name became noted for its many branches within the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied and enrolled by the princes of the region. Chronicles mention one Francze Lynke (Lynkehand) of Liegnitz in 1397, and one Herman Lynkfuss of Sorau in 1381. The literal meaning of the name was "left-handed," or even "one who is clumsy or awkward," but was taken on by numerous branches of the family. They became a power unto themselves, and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew wealthier and more influential. Early History of the Lenker familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lenker research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1286, 1658, 1674, 1734, 1807, 1816, 1820 and 1905 are included under the topic Early Lenker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Lenker Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Lenker include Linker, Lincker, Link, Linke, Linke, Lynker, Lyncker, Lynke, Linkhand, Lyncke and many more. Early Notables of the Lenker familyDuring this period prominent bearers of the name Lenker were Johann Heinrich Linck the elder (1674-1734), a German pharmacist and naturalist; and his son, Johann Heinrich Linck the younger (1734-1807); and Conrad Linker, the Lord of Daeberhausen, who was made a Baron in 1658. This highly educated man filled the position of emissary to many European courts, and...
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lenker Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Lenker familyAustria was made a republic after the First World War. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken up by the Treaty of Versailles and many of its people found themselves in the new nation of Czechoslovakia. Many other Austrians and expatriate Austrians made their way to North America in the 20th century. Most landed in Philadelphia, later continuing on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Some Austrian settlers also went to western Canada and Ontario. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Lenker or a variant listed above: Jacob Link, who came to Philadelphia in 1749. Christian Link came in 1753; Frederick Link in 1772; and Michael Link in 1751. Numerous bearers of this name came to New York in 1875.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Lenker (post 1700) | + |
- Korby Lenker (b. 1976), American folk and Americana singer-songwriter
- Valentine Lenker, American politician, Member of Pennsylvania State House of Representatives from Dauphin County, 1887-90 1
- Carle B. Lenker, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from South Dakota, 1960 1
- Amanda Lenker Doyle, two-time American Casting Society of America Award nominated casting manager
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