Brunken History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The distinguished German surname Brunken is a variant of the surname Brüning, which indicates "son of Brüning," a variant of Bruno. The personal name Bruno is a pet form of names such as Brunolf, Brunwardt and Brunheri, all derived from the Old High German word "brunja," meaning "brown." The name may also have been derived from the Middle High German "brunne," meaning "breastplate." In Low German the surname often adopted a k-suffix, creating Bruneke which led to Bruhnke and Brünicke. Around 1600, the names Brunke and Brunken began to appear more often in Friesland.

Early Origins of the Brunken family

The surname Brunken was first found in East Friesland, where the Low German suffix -k was attached to the Westphalian surname Brüning. By about 1600, the name could be found with increasing frequency in the northern areas of Lower Saxony, Pomerania, and Schleswig-Holstein. The earliest known bearer of the surname was Cord Brunke, who was documented in 1594. The young Brunken family eventually branched into many houses, becoming one of the prominent families of the region.

Early History of the Brunken family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brunken research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1594, 1730, 1803, 1811 and 1891 are included under the topic Early Brunken History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brunken Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Brunke, Brunger, Bruhnke, Brunken, Brünicke, Brüntjen, Brünjes, Bruneke, Bruenicke and many more.

Early Notables of the Brunken family

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

Brunken migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Brunken Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

John Brunken, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Telegraph" in 1863
Marianne Brunken, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Telegraph" in 1863
Phoebe Brunken, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Telegraph" in 1863

Contemporary Notables of the name Brunken (post 1700) +

Walter Brunken (b. 1912), German opera director