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![Show Contents]() Brachenhofer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The Brachenhofer family name first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria. After the 12th century, as hereditary surnames began to be adopted, names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Brachenhofer is a local surname. Originally denoting the proprietorship of an estate or influence within a village, the German preposition von, which means from or of, used with local names, was taken as a mark of aristocracy. The surname Brachenhofer was given to someone who lived in a place called Brackenhofer. There are numerous areas in Germany that are named Brackenhofer or Pracht. Brachenhofer is also nickname type of surname derived from the Low German Brackenhofer, which means brushwood, bushes, and this name was given to a person who lived near a wooded or brushy area. Alternatively, the name is also a nickname, derived from the German word braht, which means noise or loud, for a boisterous person. Early Origins of the Brachenhofer familyThe surname Brachenhofer was first found in Bavaria, where the name Brackenhofer became noted for its numerous branches throughout the region. Each house acquired a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region, and resulted in the Brackenhofer allegiance being actively sought by these same princes. Over time, the family became a power unto themselves as members of the family were elevated to the ranks of nobility, an honor which served to further enhance their prominence within Bavaria. Early History of the Brachenhofer familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brachenhofer research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brachenhofer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Brachenhofer 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 Brachenhofer include Brakenhofer, Brackenhoffer, Brachenhofer, Brachenhoffer, Brakkenhofer, Brakkenhoffer, Brackenho, Braeckenhofer, Braeckenhoffer, Brachenhofer, Braechenhoffer, Braekkenhofer, Braekkenhoffer, Breckenhofer, Breckenhoffer, Brechenhofer, Brechenhoffer, Brekkenhofer, Brekkenhoffer and many more. Early Notables of the Brachenhofer familyMore information is included under the topic Early Brachenhofer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Brachenhofer familyThe great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: Heinrich Brackenhof, who came to New York City in 1847 as well as other people who settled on the eastern seaboard of the United States and in Canada during the 18th and 19th centuries..
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