HENKE (Low German) Diminutive of "Hendrich", a German cognate of the English and French "Henry", which is from a Germanic personal name meaning "home" + "power". The name was introduced into England by the Normans. SCHNIEDERS (Low German) Variation of "SCHNEIDER", an occupational name for a tailor. Source: (Both of above) A Dictionary of Surnames by Patrick Hanks and Flavia Hodges. GRAUTHOFF - ? RAKER(S), RAKES, RAKE (English, German) One who came from Rake (throat; pass), in Sussex; dweller in a pass or narrow valley; dweller at a muddy place. The addition of the "S" usually denotes a patronym (i.e., "son of Rake"). Source: New Dictionary of American Family Names by E.C. Smith. FORCK - the closest I could come here is: \ FORCH (German) meaning "Fir". Source: German-American Names by George F. Jones. Barbara Daniel J Henke wrote: > Hi, > > I am new to this list but am curious if you have any information on the > surname HENKE. Also if it is not too much trouble I am wondering about the > following names as well: > Grauthoff, Rakers,Forck and Schnieders. > > Thank you for your time and attention > > Dan > > ============================== > Search over 1 Billion names at Ancestry.com! > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/rwlist1.asp