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Austria is the homeland of the Lynk 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.
The surname Lynk 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.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lynk 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 Lynk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Lynk include Linker, Lincker, Link, Linke, Linke, Lynker, Lyncker, Lynke, Linkhand, Lyncke and many more.
During this period prominent bearers of the name Lynk 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 Lynk Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Lynk were
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: