Surname Hendricks - Meaning and Origin
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Through a DNA Lens: A Journey of Self-Discovery and The Evolving Narrative of the Surname 'Hendricks'
A journey with iGENEA, into the depths of my genetic ancestry, led to unexpected revelations. The surname Hendricks, harboring far-reaching ethnic diversity, opened up new perspectives on my family history, identity, and shared kinship.
C. Hendricks
read moreHendricks: What does the surname Hendricks mean?
The last name Hendricks is a patronymic surname, meaning that it is derived from the given name of an ancestor. It is a variant of the Dutch surname Hendrickse, derived from the given name Hendrick, which is a form of the ancient Germanic personal name ‘Heimirici’, meaning ‘home ruler’. As its root name suggests, Hendricks historically indicated a person of aristocratic or noble status, given the traditional importance of one's home. As the surname proliferated, it also came to signify those who held power in the community, such as local landowners or administrators.
In most cases, Hendricks is still found as a patronymic, or hereditary surname, passed down from generation to generation. It is not uncommon for a person to take on their father’s last name, and thus it would be used to refer to the direct descendants of Hendrick’s of the past. In some cases, it may also be found as a matronymic surname, meaning it was derived from the mother’s given name. This might be the result of inheritance, marriage, or adoption.
In many places around the world, Hendricks is still a common surname, associated with the rich lineage and heritage of ancient Europe. It is certainly a name that speaks of a distinguished history, and those who bear the name can take pride in the strong will and adaptability of their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisHendricks: Where does the name Hendricks come from?
The last name Hendricks is most prevalent today in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is the 1,110th most common last name in the United States, with an estimated 28,444 people in the country bearing the name. The majority of those individuals (25,671) are located in the northern Midwest, especially Indiana (14,645).
The Hendricks name is also fairly widespread in the southern Midwest, with about 4,000 individuals calling Oklahoma and Missouri home. The Pacific Northwest, West, and South also saw a significant number of Hendricks, with 1,980 to 3,760 individuals living in those regions.
The last name Hendricks is also found throughout Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and in many other countries around the world. The name has its origins in the Germanic languages, with its meaning being roughly "one who is the master of the horse". It is still a fairly common last name internationally and has taken various forms, such as Hendriks, Henrichs, and Hendericks.
Variations of the surname Hendricks
The surname Hendricks is of Dutch origin, deriving from the personal name Hendrick, which is composed of two elements - the Germanic element ‘hild’ meaning battle, and ‘ric’ meaning ruler.
Variants of this surname include Hendrix, Hendrick, Hendriks, Hendrickson, Hendrikson, Hendriquez, Hendricksz, and Hendricson. Occasionally, the surname may also be found as Hendreck, Henrichs, Henkens, and Hendricx.
In the United States, the Hendricks surname is far more common than other variants of the same origin and is the preferred spelling found in official records. The spelling wedges itself even further from its Dutch roots and takes on a more Americanized phonetic form.
In the Netherlands, there are several smaller variants common to the area. Hendriks or Henriks is a common variation found in more rural areas whereas Hendrix is the preferred version in the cities and towns.
In Germany and much of Northern Europe, the surname Hendricks is primarily found as Hendrik or Heindrik. In Ireland and Scotland, the same surname has been adapted to the phonetic form Hendrickson.
The English spelling of Hendricks can be found in many other countries, such as in Australia, Canada, South Africa, Belgium, France and Switzerland. In Hungary, the spelling is more likely to be Henderich, in the Czech Republic it is Hendricka, and in Italy, it is Endrigo.
Famous people with the name Hendricks
- Christina Hendricks: Christina Rene Hendricks is an American actress known for her role as Joan Harris in the AMC TV series Mad Men.
- Paul Hendricks: Paul Hendricks is a professional golfer who has competed on the PGA Tour.
- Jack Hendricks: Jack Hendricks is a former Major League Baseball player who played in the 1950s and 1960s.
- John Hendricks: John Hendricks is an entrepreneur and founder of the Discovery Channel.
- Fabian Hendricks: Fabian Hendricks is a South African rugby union player who played for the Stormers in the Currie Cup.
- Miles Hendricks: Miles Hendricks is an American television actor and writer, known for his roles in Clueless and Rock the House.
- Brandi Hendricks: Brandi Hendricks is an Australian actress who is best known for her role of Jade in the popular television series Offspring.
- Billy Hendricks: Billy Hendricks is an American blues singer and guitarist
- Elizabeth Hendricks: Elizabeth Hendricks is an American director, producer, and showrunner.
- Ron Hendricks: Ron Hendricks is a former NFL football player who played for the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos.