schenk

Schenk is a surname of German origin. It derives from the medieval court office of Schenk, a wine steward or cupbearer responsible for serving wine at feasts. The office name is related to the verb schenken, meaning to give or to pour, but the surname primarily reflects the historical role rather than the modern verb usage. The form Mundschenk is a related title for the same role, literally meaning "mouth cupbearer."

The surname developed as a hereditary name and is found in German-speaking regions, especially in Germany and Austria, with branches in the Netherlands and among emigrant communities in the Americas. Variant spellings include Schenk and Schenck; other forms occur in different languages and records.

In modern times, Schenk is primarily a family name and may also appear in place names or in the names of institutions bearing historical connections to the old office.