Becken History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Switzerland, which is renowned for both its beauty and its political neutrality, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Becken. Before the late Middle Ages, people were known only by a single name. However, as the population increased and travelers set out on their journeys, it became necessary for people to adopt a second name to identify themselves. Many people, such as the Becken family, adopted the name of their feudal occupation as their surname. However, an occupational name did not become a hereditary surname until the office or type of employment became hereditary. The surname Becken was an occupational name for a baker. Further research showed the name was derived from the German word beck, which means bake.

Early Origins of the Becken family

The surname Becken was first found in Basel, where the name Beckel was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society of early Europe. The family would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs.

Early History of the Becken family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Becken research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1635 and 1682 are included under the topic Early Becken History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Becken Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Beckel, Beckell, Beckele, Beckle, Bechel, Bechell, Bechelle, Becken, Becker, Bechen, Becher, Backel, Bachel, Backell, Bachell, Baeckel, Baeckell, Baecken, Baechen, Baecker, Baecher, Bachiler and many more.

Early Notables of the Becken family

More information is included under the topic Early Becken Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Becken migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Becken Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

J. Becken and Catherine Becken both of whom arrived in New York City in 1850
Catherine Becken, aged 20, who landed in New York, NY in 1850 1
J Becken, aged 21, who arrived in New York, NY in 1850 1
William Becken, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1874 1

Citations +

Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)