Show ContentsBrackenhoffer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestral home of the Brackenhoffer family was in the German state of Bavaria. Brackenhoffer is a local name for a person who lived in a place called Brackenhofer. There are numerous areas in Germany that are named Brackenhofer or Pracht. Brackenhoffer 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 Brackenhoffer family

The surname Brackenhoffer 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 Brackenhoffer family

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

Brackenhoffer 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 Brackenhoffer 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 Brackenhoffer family

More information is included under the topic Early Brackenhoffer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Brackenhoffer family

Between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries, German settlers arrived in North America by the thousands. Persecution based on religion and poverty were great motivators in this large-scale migration. So too was the opportunity for tenant farmers to own their own land. Ample land and opportunity awaited the settlers who went to such states as Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, as well as Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Brackenhoffer or a variant listed above: 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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