Helmke is an Anglo-Saxon name. The name was originally given to a herdsman. The surname Helmke is derived from the Old English word helm, which means a covering. In some later dialects, this word took on the which means of a roofed shelter for cattle.Occupational names such as Helmke frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of occupational surnames are called metonymic surnames.
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Early Origins of the Helmke family
The surname Helmke was first found in Surrey where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.
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Early History of the Helmke family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Helmke research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1180 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Helmke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Helmke Spelling Variations
One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Helmke has appeared include Helme, Helm, Helms and others.
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Early Notables of the Helmke family
More information is included under the topic Early Helmke Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Helmke family
At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Helmke arrived in North America very early: Peter Helm, his wife, and six sons and one daughter who arrived in 1709 in New England; Daniel Helm arrived in New England in 1768.
Contemporary Notables of the name Helmke (post 1700)
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Walter E. Helmke (b. 1901), American Republican politician, Chair of Allen County Republican Party, 1940-44; Delegate to Republican National Convention from Indiana, 1948
Paul Helmke, American Republican politician, Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1987-99; Candidate for U.S. Senator from Indiana, 1998
Historic Events for the Helmke family
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Bismarck
Heinrich Helmke (1923-1941), German Matrose who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 1
England
