Plank is an English and German surname with multiple origin theories. The name derives from the word "plank", which entered Middle English via Old French planque, itself from Late Latin planca (meaning a board or plank). The surname could have arisen as a toponymic, referring to someone who lived near a plank bridge across a stream. Alternatively, it may have been a nickname for a tall, thin person (resembling a plank) or a designation for a carpenter who worked with planks. Variants and Distribution Notable variants include the German form Planck, as well as the French forms Planche and Planque. In the United States, according to the 2010 census, Plank ranks 5,331st in frequency, held by 6,534 individuals, and is overwhelmingly (95.59%) associated with White ethnicity. Etymology History The word plank can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *plankō and Latin planca. The usage as a surname likely dates to medieval times, common in both England and Germany, reflecting the name's occupational or locational roots. Meaning: ‘Plank’ (board), referring to a bridge, a thin person, or a carpenter Origin: English and German Type: Surname (toponymic or occupational) Usage Regions: English-speaking countries, Germany