Beckendorf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Beckendorf. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands 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. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Beckendorf family.

Early Origins of the Beckendorf family

The surname Beckendorf was first found in Brandenburg, where the name Benckendorf emerged in mediaeval times as one of the notable families of the region. From the 13th century the surname was identified with the great social and economic evolution which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development of the nation.

Early History of the Beckendorf family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Beckendorf research. Another 113 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1468, 1480 and 1757 are included under the topic Early Beckendorf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Beckendorf Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Beckendorf include Benckendorf, Benkendorf, Beneckendorff, Benckendorff, Benckenndorf, Benkkendorf, Benkendorfer and many more.

Early Notables of the Beckendorf family

Notable figures of the time with the name Beckendorf were General Major Caspar Friedrich von Beneckendorf.Paul Beneke, also Paul Benecke, (c. 1400-c. 1480) was a German town councillor of Danzig and a privateer. During the Anglo-Hanseatic War...
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Beckendorf Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Beckendorf migration to the United States +

Since medieval times, the state of Prussia has played an important part in the history of Germany. The state's military powers were historically very strong, and endured until after the Second World War, when the territory was broken up and divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. A spurt of migration followed, with some Prussians going elsewhere in Europe and many others crossing the ocean to North America. Most entered the United States through Philadelphia. Some remained there, while more moved on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others traveled to Canada and settled Ontario and the prairie provinces. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Beckendorf or a variant listed above:

Beckendorf Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Mr. Aug. Beckendorf, aged 34, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1847 aboard the ship "Helen & Elise"
Mrs. Caroline Beckendorf, aged 27, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1847 aboard the ship "Helen & Elise"
Miss Emilie Beckendorf, aged 7, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1847 aboard the ship "Helen & Elise"
Mr. Jossn Beckendorf, aged 4, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1847 aboard the ship "Helen & Elise"
Mr. August Beckendorf, aged 2, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1847 aboard the ship "Helen & Elise"

Contemporary Notables of the name Beckendorf (post 1700) +

Charles Beckendorf (b. 1930), American artist