561 Global Handke Family Members

Handke Family History

Recorded as Han, Hann, Hans, Hanse, Hanich, Hasch, and diminutives such as Hanck, Handt, Handke, Hansell, Handell, Hendle, and patronymics Hannessen, Hennesson, Hanneken and others, this interesting surname is of pre 6th century German origins. Now recorded throughout Europe in over two hundred different spelling variations, it derives from the pre medieval given name "Han or Hann", which is often a short form of Johan, from the Hebrew "Yochanan", meaning Jehovah has favoured me (with a son). However a second and possibly earlier origin may be transpositions from the personal names 'Haimric' later Henry or 'Randulf' later Randolph.