In literary use since ca. 1700. FromSilesian East Central GermanHolomken (“servant”, 15th c.), fromOld Czechholomek. Compare modernCzechholomek(“scoundrel”). The also attested sense “heathland warden, messenger” suggests merger with olderUpper Sorbian*holank (attested as a name), diminutive ofholan(“heathland dweller”), derived fromhola(“heath”).
Halunke m (weak,genitiveHalunken,pluralHalunken)