Jonker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Netherlands
Germany

Etymology of Jonker

What does the name Jonker mean?

The distinguished German surname Jonker is derived from the Middle High German word "juncherre," meaning "a young noble, not yet knighted." This term was often applied to a young man serving at court who would soon be knighted, and it is likely that the term evolved from nickname to surname, and was then passed down along a family line.

Early Origins of the Jonker family

The surname Jonker was first found in various regions of Germany, and several branches emerged independently during the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded bearer of the name was Burchardt Junker, listed in the Furstenbergisches Urkundenbuch in 1295. The young Jonker family was instrumental during this early period, playing an important role in the development of medieval society.

Early History of the Jonker family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jonker research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1295, 1373 and 1797 are included under the topic Early Jonker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Jonker Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Junker, Junkher, Juncker, Junkers, Junckherre and others.

Early Notables of the Jonker family

More information is included under the topic Early Jonker Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Jonker Ranking

Netherlands, the name Jonker is the 72^nd most popular surname with an estimated 12,649 people with that name. 1 However, in South Africa, the name Jonker is ranked the 557^th most popular surname with an estimated 12,476 people with that name. 2

Jonker migration to the United States +

Jonker Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Genevevs Jonker, aged 27, Dutch settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Adler" in 1853 3
Antje Jonker, aged 26, Dutch settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Adler" in 1853 3
Stoffel Jonker, aged 31, Dutch settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Abyssinia" in 1872 3
Cornelia Jonker, Dutch settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Abyssinia" in 1872 3
Petermella Jonker, aged 30, Dutch settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Abyssinia" in 1872 3
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Jonker (post 1700) +

Margo F. Jonker (b. 1953), American softball coach and the current head coach of the Central Michigan Chippewas, a 2003 inductee in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Robert James Jonker (b. 1960), American jurist, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan (2015-2022)
Frederick H. Jonker, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for Presidential Elector for Michigan, 1940 4
Kobus Jonker, South African silver medalist Paralympic at the 2000 Summer Paralympics
Professor Louis C. Jonker (b. 1962), South African Biblical scholar and writer
Patrick Jonker (b. 1969), Dutch-born, retired Australian road bicycle racer who was a professional rider from 1993 to 2004, representing Australia twice at the Summer Olympics, in 1992 and 1996, namesake of the Patrick Jonker Veloway
Constantijn Jonker (b. 1987), Dutch two-time gold medalist field hockey player who played as a forward
Hendrik Peter "Henk" Jonker (1912-2002), Dutch photographer, known for his portrayal of "ordinary people and small moments"
Christiaan Jonker (b. 1986), South African cricketer who represents the South Africa national cricket team
... (Another 8 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sources +

"Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
Ellis Island Search retrieved 21st October 2021. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 12) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html