Shenkel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The Shenkel family originated in Bavaria, Germany. As hereditary surnames were adopted in that area beginning in the 12th century, people were often identified by the kind of work they did. Shenkel is an occupational name for a cup bearer or server of wine. The name stems from the Old German word "scenko," which means "cup."

Early Origins of the Shenkel family

The surname Shenkel was first found in Bavaria, where this distinguished family established itself.

Early History of the Shenkel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shenkel research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1771, 1786, 1813, 1845 and 1885 are included under the topic Early Shenkel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shenkel Spelling Variations

Many 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 Shenkel include Schenkel, Schenkell, Schenckel, Schaenkel, Schaenkell, Schanckel, Schankel, Schankell, Shankel, Shankell and many more.

Early Notables of the Shenkel family

Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Shenkel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shenkel migration to the United States +

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Shenkels to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Shenkel Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Jacob Shenkel, who landed in America in 1725 1
Frederick Shenkel, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1764 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)