[Surname] Surname from German/Polish words
In researching my Polish ancestors, I have come across the surname Einmaldank (or Einmahldank). I have been unable to find any information about it and have never heard of other families using the name.
Today I tried translating the name from Polish into English (using an online translator). The words "einmal dank" mean "thanks again" in Polish and in German.
Could this family have adopted or used the surname from these words? Any information about surnames from words, as in this case? Or has anyone heard of or know anything about this name?
Also, if anyone out there knows about naming traditions for Polish (Jewish) families, leave a note; I'd love to ask you some questions.
Thanks!
Today I tried translating the name from Polish into English (using an online translator). The words "einmal dank" mean "thanks again" in Polish and in German.
Could this family have adopted or used the surname from these words? Any information about surnames from words, as in this case? Or has anyone heard of or know anything about this name?
Also, if anyone out there knows about naming traditions for Polish (Jewish) families, leave a note; I'd love to ask you some questions.
Thanks!
Replies
For information on Jewish names you could start with the Wikipedia article -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_names
Einmaldank appears to be a Yiddish rather than a German surname; by which I mean it doesn't appear to have a history among the surnames of non-Jewish German speakers. I would hazard a guess that it started out as a nickname based on some incident in the life of the original bearer. Alternatively it might be a nickname from an expression the original bearer used constantly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_names
Einmaldank appears to be a Yiddish rather than a German surname; by which I mean it doesn't appear to have a history among the surnames of non-Jewish German speakers. I would hazard a guess that it started out as a nickname based on some incident in the life of the original bearer. Alternatively it might be a nickname from an expression the original bearer used constantly.
More on Jewish names -
http://www.jewfaq.org/jnames.htm#Surnames
http://www.jewfaq.org/jnames.htm#Surnames
Thanks Jim!