lökete

Lõkete is a Latvian surname. It is a relatively uncommon surname, with the majority of bearers residing in Latvia. The name is of Latvian origin and its etymology is not definitively established, though it is believed to be related to the Latvian word "lōkets," meaning a small hook or crook, possibly referring to a geographical feature or a characteristic of an ancestor.

The surname lõkete was first recorded in historical documents in the early 19th century, primarily in the Kurzeme region of Latvia. Like many Latvian surnames, it likely originated from a descriptive nickname or a toponymic reference that became hereditary over time. The distribution of the surname within Latvia is somewhat concentrated, with higher numbers found in certain municipalities.

Outside of Latvia, the surname lõkete is found in smaller numbers, often associated with Latvian diaspora communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany. Emigration patterns from Latvia in the 20th century contributed to its presence in these nations. While the exact meaning and origin remain a subject of linguistic interest, lõkete is a distinctive part of Latvian onomastics.