Meeske History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German surname Meeske emerged in the lands that formed the powerful German state of Prussia, which at one time was an immense German territory that stretched from France and the Low Countries to the Baltic sea and Poland. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the German territories were inhabited by a variety of barbarian tribes. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Meeske family

The surname Meeske was first found in Prussia, where the name could be considered to have made a great contribution to the feudal society which became the backbone of modern Europe. The name became prominent in local affairs, and branched into many houses which played important roles in the tribal and national conflicts, where each group sought power and status in an ever changing territorial profile.

Early History of the Meeske family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meeske research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1843 is included under the topic Early Meeske History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Meeske Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Meeske include Meske, Meeske, Mieske, Mesec, Messec, Messeck, Meseck, Mesech, Messech, Mesac and many more.

Early Notables of the Meeske family

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

Meeske migration to the United States +

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Meeskes to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Meeske Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Ella Meeske, aged 25, who immigrated to the United States, in 1903
Gustav Meeske, aged 24, who landed in America, in 1903
Lieschen Meeske, aged 8, who landed in America, in 1903
Otto Meeske, aged 64, who landed in America, in 1911
Herman Meeske, aged 54, who immigrated to the United States, in 1911
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)