Funk Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Funk come from? What does the surname Funk mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Funk and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Funk Origin: What does the last name Funk mean?
The surname Funk is of German origin, with records dating back to the early 16th century. It has historical significance in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, where it gained prominence over the centuries. The name Funk has global spread, with notable presence in countries like Canada, Australia, and various European nations. It reflects a rich cultural heritage that has evolved and adapted across different regions.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Funk surname in Germany since the 16th century, with significant records also found in Switzerland. As the centuries passed, the name Funk expanded its reach to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, the Funk surname remains prominent in various regions worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and continued significance in diverse cultures.
Funk Last Name History: Where did the last name Funk come from?
Origin of Funk Surname: Where does the last name Funk originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Funk first appeared in records from Germany around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Funk spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Funk: What does the Funk surname history look like in the early days?
The Funk surname started growing significantly in Germany in the 16th century and continued to gain prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries, with notable records also found in Switzerland during the early period. YourRoots data also shows Funk family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Funk surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Funk surname grew significantly in the United States. The Funk surname remains prominent in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia. It appears in many countries, including various European nations and regions across the Americas.
Explore Funk last name heritage and Funk surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Funk Surame?
Terry Funk
Terrance Dee Funk (June 30, 1944 – August 23, 2023) was an American professional wrestler and actor known for his influential and long-lasting career in the wrestling industry. Funk pioneered the hardcore wrestling style and competed in major promotions like All Japan Pro Wrestling, ECW, WCW, and WWF. He held multiple championships and headlined events like ECW's November to Remember. Funk was inducted into various wrestling halls of fame for his contributions to the sport.
Dory Funk
Dorrance Wilhelm Funk (May 4, 1919 – June 3, 1973) was an American professional wrestler known for his contributions to the wrestling industry. Funk was a prominent figure in the Texas territories and the Central States territories, where he wrestled against notable opponents. He later went on to become a successful promoter, co-founding Western States Sports in Amarillo, Texas. Funk's legacy lives on through his sons, Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk, both accomplished wrestlers in their own right. Funk's impact on the wrestling world was recognized with inductions into various wrestling halls of fame, solidifying his place in sports entertainment history.
Wally Funk
Mary Wallace Funk (born Feb 1, 1939) is an American aviator and the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board. She made history by becoming the oldest person to go to space at age 82 on July 20, 2021, aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft. Funk is also the last surviving member of the Mercury 13 group and remains the oldest woman to have traveled into space. With a strong background in aviation, she broke barriers for women in the industry and continues to inspire future generations of female astronauts.
Walther Funk
Walther Immanuel Funk (18 Aug 1890 – 31 May 1960) was a German economist and Nazi official who served as Reichsminister for the Economy from 1938 to 1945. He oversaw Germany's rearmament and World War II mobilization, as well as the expropriation of assets from Nazi concentration camp victims. Convicted of crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Tribunal, Funk was released on health grounds in 1957 after serving time in prison. He held various positions within the Nazi Party, including Minister of Economics and Labor of Prussia. Funk's legacy is marred by his involvement in the atrocities of the Nazi regime during World War II.
Nolan Gerard Funk
Nolan Gerard Funk (July 28, 1986) is a Canadian actor and singer known for his roles in popular TV series such as Glee, Awkward, and The Flight Attendant. He also starred in the Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie as Conrad Birdie. Funk has been recognized for his talent, earning a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for his ensemble work in The Flight Attendant. With a diverse filmography and a strong presence in both television and theater, Funk continues to captivate audiences with his performances.
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