| ![Show Contents]() Finkley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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 Germany From the historical and enchanting region of Austria emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Finkley family. Originally, the Austrian people were known only by a single name. The process by which hereditary surnames were adopted in Austria is extremely interesting. Surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an "eke-name," or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Finkley is a nickname type of surname for a cheerful person who sings songs. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the German word fink, which means finch, which is a type of small bird. Early Origins of the Finkley familyThe surname Finkley was first found in Austria, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name 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 Finkley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Finkley research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1445, 1527, 1718, 1766, 1783, 1792, 1804, 1808, 1809, 1820, 1827, 1841, 1842 and 1846 are included under the topic Early Finkley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Finkley Spelling VariationsMany cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Finkley include Finck, Fincke, Finckl (Bavaria), Finncke, Fink, Finke, Finkl, Finke and many more. Early Notables of the Finkley familyDuring this period prominent bearers of the name Finkley were Heinrich Finck (1445-1527), who was composer and court musician for both Polish and German princes. Friedrich August von Finck (1718-1766) was a Prussian soldier who served in the Danish and Russian forces. Gottfried Wilhelm Fink (1783-1846), theologian and musical critic was born March 7, 1783, at Sulz in Thuringia...
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Finkley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Finkley familyAustria was made a republic after the First World War. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken up by the Treaty of Versailles and many of its people found themselves in the new nation of Czechoslovakia. Many other Austrians and expatriate Austrians made their way to North America in the 20th century. Most landed in Philadelphia, later continuing on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Some Austrian settlers also went to western Canada and Ontario. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Finkley or a variant listed above: Frantz Finck, who came to New York State in 1710-11; Johann Nicholas Finck arrived in Philadelphia in 1737; as did Conrad Finck in 1741; and Daniel Finck in 1749. Adam Fink came to the same city in 1764.
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