vinke

Vinke is a surname of Dutch origin and is also encountered in toponymic contexts within the Netherlands. In genealogical sources the name appears as a family name and occasionally as part of longer surnames. The form is related to the more common Dutch surname Vink and may share its linguistic roots.

The element vink in Dutch means finch, a small songbird. As a surname, Vinke could have originated as a nickname for someone associated with birds, perhaps a bird catcher or a person living near a place named for the bird. Alternatively, it may have arisen as a toponymic name for a person from a locale bearing the name Vinke or a derivative form.

In contemporary usage, Vinke is most frequently found in the Netherlands and among Dutch diaspora communities. The surname is modest in frequency compared with Vink, but it appears in historical and modern records across various regions. Notable bearers have contributed to fields such as science, academia, sports, and public life, reflecting the diverse paths of families bearing the name.