Find out how popular the last name Winterkorn is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Winterkorn.

Winterkorn, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Winterkorn surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Winterkorn in America

Winterkorn is the 143847th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Winterkorn surname appeared 106 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Winterkorn.

The history of the last name Winterkorn

The surname Winterkorn is of German origin, with its roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. The name is primarily found in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany, areas known for their fertile agricultural land. Winterkorn is derived from the Middle High German words "winter," meaning winter, and "korn," meaning grain. This suggests that the surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone who was involved in the production or sale of winter grain, probably barley or wheat that could withstand colder temperatures.

The earliest recorded examples of the name Winterkorn appear in medieval tax records and local documents. For instance, a mention from the year 1368 in the municipal archives of Nuremberg references a Hans Winterkorn, who was noted as a prosperous farmer dealing in winter grains. This early mention indicates the longstanding involvement of families with this surname in agricultural activities, particularly those that were crucial for survival during harsh winters.

Historical references to the name can also be found in early church registers from the 15th century. In 1475, a record from the town of Augsburg lists an Anna Winterkorn as a witness in a marriage contract. This period saw the name becoming more established within local communities, often associated with landowners and farmers who tracked the cycles of planting and harvesting.

Throughout history, there were several notable individuals with the surname Winterkorn. One such figure is Johannes Winterkorn, born in 1562 in Bamberg, who became a well-known local magistrate and contributed to the codification of agricultural laws in the region. Another significant individual was Katharina Winterkorn, born in 1623, who was a midwife in Heidelberg and earned repute for her skills during a time when the profession was crucial for maternal health.

In the 18th century, the name appears in records involving emigration to America. A Johann Winterkorn, born in 1701, migrated to Pennsylvania in 1738, where he established a successful farm, reflecting the agrarian ties of the surname. In the 19th century, Ludwig Winterkorn, born in 1820 in Stuttgart, became known for his contributions to botanical studies, particularly in the development of winter-hardy cereal crops.

Famous people with the surname in contemporary history include Martin Winterkorn, born in 1947, who served as the CEO of Volkswagen Group and played a notable role in the automotive industry. His prominence brought international attention to the surname, distinguishing it beyond its traditional agricultural roots.

The surname Winterkorn carries with it a rich history tied to agriculture, migration, and regional development in Germany, evolving from its medieval origins to contemporary recognition in various professional fields.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Winterkorn

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Winterkorn.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Winterkorn was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Winterkorn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Winterkorn, please contact us.

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