Skip to main content

Updated June 9, 2019

Family name origins & meanings

  • North German (Westphalia) and Danish : habitational name from a farm (Middle Low German hof), probably one with a long, narrow shape (Middle Low German lank ‘long’) or situated at the side (Middle Low German lanke) of a river or hill.

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe