Janke

Janke is a surname of German origin. It is most commonly found in Germany and among descendants of German-speaking communities abroad. The name is generally considered a diminutive or affectionate form derived from the given name Johannes (John), typically via the short form Jan.

Variants observed in historical records include Jank, Janka, and Janke, with related forms in other languages arising from migration and transcription. The spelling with -e appears in certain dialects and among settlers who carried the name to different regions.

Geographic distribution today includes Germany, where it is more common in western and northern regions, and diaspora communities in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina, among others. The surname appears in records from the medieval and early modern periods.

There are individuals bearing the surname Janke across a range of occupations, including academia, sports, and the arts. As with many surnames, it may be confused with similar forms such as Janko or Janek in Slavic-speaking regions.