Berken History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Germany

Medieval Austria is the ancient homeland of the Berken family. Austria, which was originally home to a Celtic people, was conquered by the Roman Empire in about 15 BC Following the fall of Rome, Austria was repeatedly invaded by barbarian tribes, such as the Vandals, Visigoths, and Huns, who swept in from the east. During the 5th and 6th centuries, the Alemanni, Avars and Slavs settled Austria. The Avars were defeated in 785 by the Frankish emperor Charlemagne, who set up the East Mark, which later became known as the Österreich. Austria was ruled by the Babenburger dynasty until 1278, when they were succeeded by the Hapsburg dynasty, which ruled Austria until the 20th century.

Early Origins of the Berken family

The surname Berken was first found in Austria, where the name could be considered to make a great early contribution to the feudal society which became the backbone of early development of Europe. The name became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses which played important roles in the savage tribal and national conflicts, each group seeking power and status in an ever changing territorial profile.

Early History of the Berken family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berken research. Another 181 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1530, 1673, 1846, 1851 and 1853 are included under the topic Early Berken History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berken 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 Berken include Bergen, Berghen, Berggen, Bergenn, Berrgen, Burgen, Burghen and many more.

Early Notables of the Berken family

Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Berken Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berken migration to Canada +

After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Berken were

Berken Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Heinrich Berken, who landed in Manitoba in 1874
Peter Berken, who landed in Manitoba in 1874
Heinrich Berken, who arrived in Manitoba in 1875

The Berken Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Nullus volat altius ales
Motto Translation: No bird soars higher