Surname Benack - Meaning and Origin
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Benack: What does the surname Benack mean?
The surname Benack is of German origin, derived from the German word 'benedickt', meaning 'blessed'. The family originated in Bavaria, and its original spelling was 'Benackh'. It is believed that the Beinackh clan were brewers or farmers who derived their name from living near a holy well or sacred spot.
The surname Benack is quite rare, and most likely a variation of the longer German name. It is today most prevalent in Germany and parts of Central Europe, such as Poland and the Czech Republic.
In Germany, the name is often spelled 'Beneck'. In the United States, the name has been Americanized and is now most commonly spelled 'Benack'. In America, Benacks are most likely to be found in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Missouri.
Those who bear the name of Benack often share an affinity and appreciation for the great outdoors. Known for their intelligence and inventive minds, Benacks are often involved in the scientific or technical fields. They are hard-working, strong-willed individuals who are believed to have an important role to play in this world.
The Benack family is proud of its history and celebrates its many contributions to the modern world. Considered a unique and special name, each Benack bears a stamp of qality, both in terms of character and intellect.
Order DNA origin analysisBenack: Where does the name Benack come from?
The last name Benack is a common name in certain parts of Europe, including Germany, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. In Germany, the name Benack was derived from the ancient personal name Bijanč for which there are several related spellings. In Poland, the name originated from the term Binacz, which means 'son of a new man' and originates from the Hebrew phrase ben 'atzmi which means 'son of my own soul'.
In the United States, the last name Benack is most prevalent in the Midwest and Northeast regions. According to United States census records, the highest concentrations of the name Benack are in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New Jersey, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Within Pennsylvania, the highest numbers occur in counties such as Allegheny, Philadelphia, Lehigh, and Dauphin.
In addition, the name Benack is still relatively common in many European countries where it originated. It is estimated that 60-80% of the population of the Czech Republic and Slovakia are still of Czech or Slovak origin, with many of these people tracing their heritage to the Benack family. In Hungary, the last name Benack is most commonly found in the regions of Zala, Vas, Győr-Moson-Sopron, Csongrád, Békés, Hajdú-Bihar, and Komárom-Esztergom.
Overall, the last name Benack has a strong presence across Europe, the United States, and beyond.
Variations of the surname Benack
The surname Benack is thought to be of German origin and is a variation of the name Benecke or Benecke which is derived from the Germanic personal name "Benekin," which was popularized by the legendary Teutonic knight named "Beneken." Variations of the Benack surname include the surname Benecke, Benecke, Benick, Benicke and Benike.
Benecke is the most common spelling variation in the German language, with Benack being the most common variation found in the United States. It is also spelled as Bennick, Benik, Benike, Bencik, Benek, Bennek and Benec.
In the United States, Benack is pronounced as "Ben-ock" with the “ck” at the end being silent. Other surnames of similar origin, including Bennack, Behnkie, Beinke, Benecke, Bonack and Benicka, can be traced back to the same origins and are likely variants of the Benack name.
In Germany, Benack is found in several areas, mainly in Lower Saxony, East Frisia, and Westphalia. This variant of the surname is widely dispersed and found in many countries including Germany, Poland, Canada, the United States and Australia. Some related surnames include Beno, Benes, Benz, Bender, Beineke, Benner and Benoist.
Famous people with the name Benack
- Kurt Benack: Hollywood film producer, director, and editor who has been contributor to memorable films such as Star Trek: Generations, Wanted: Dead or Alive, and Beatles: Paperback Writer.
- Paige Benack: An actress best known for her roles in Nickelodeon original movie the Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and as young Juliet in the comedy-drama movie Shadows in a Cave.
- David Benack: An American chef and internet entrepreneur who specializes in Latin-fusion cuisine. He has since works with numerous celebrity chef clients such as Top Chef’s José Andrés and The Chew host Carla Hall.
- Richard Benack: A professional classical and jazz pianist, composer, arranger and producer. Richard is most acclaimed for his debut song “Dark Side of the Moon” which peaked at number 12 in the Billboard Hot 100.
- A. John Benack: A professor of mathematics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University who specializes in differential equations and dynamical systems theory.
- Benjamin Benack: A music educator best known for having provided jazz and piano instruction at Berklee University in Boston for more than 30 years. During his tenure, he worked with celebrated jazz musicians like Diana Krall and Esperanza Spalding.
- J. David Benack: An American attorney and legal strategist with a specialty in business law, intellectual property, estate planning, and trust law.
- Robert Benack: A former professional American football player who played with the Pennington Colts for several seasons during the mid-1960s.
- Joe Benack: An American actor and comedian who's best known for his performances on NBC's Saturday Night Live from 1975 to 1976.
- Justin Benack: A professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League.