This old and traditional Danish name is of uncertain meaning. It is derived from an Old Norse name, Ankarl, which may derive from arn (eagle) and karl (peasant; man); the second element has also been suggested to mean “violent,” hence “violent eagle.” Alternately, it may derive from the old Danish word annkarl (harvester), or just mean “anchor.”
A notable American bearer was the late Minnesota Governor, Ancher Nelsen (1904-1992).
It was also borne by Danish Prime Minister, Anker Jørgensen (1922-2016).
Currently, Anker appeared in the Danish Top 100 Most Popular Male Names, coming in at # 47 (2018).
Other forms include:
- Ãngka, Aanka (Greenlandic)
- Ancher
- Ancker
- Ankarl
Sources