Brackenhofer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The Brackenhofer surname first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria, some time after the 12th century, when hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules, and names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Brackenhofer 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 Brackenhofer was given to someone who lived in a place called Brackenhofer. There are numerous areas in Germany that are named Brackenhofer or Pracht. Brackenhofer 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 Brackenhofer family

The surname Brackenhofer 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 Brackenhofer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brackenhofer research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brackenhofer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brackenhofer 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 Brackenhofer 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 Brackenhofer family

Prominent among members of the name Brackenhofer in this period include

the Brackenhofer family of Bavaria

Migration of the Brackenhofer family

The 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..

Contemporary Notables of the name Brackenhofer (post 1700) +

Robert Brackenhofer, German film stunt-man