Show ContentsBrechter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Similar to many Austrian family names, the distinguished surname Brechter is a proud sign of a rich and ancient ancestry. The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Austria were the patronymic surnames, a type of name derived from the given name of the bearer's father, and metronymic surnames, derived from the given name of the bearer's mother. Patronyms are derived from a variety of given names of many different origins.

Early Origins of the Brechter family

The surname Brechter was first found in Austria, where the name became noted for its many branches within the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the family became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Early History of the Brechter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brechter research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1858 is included under the topic Early Brechter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brechter 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 Brechter include Brecht, Brechte, Brechter, Breck, Breckt, Breckte and others.

Early Notables of the Brechter family

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


United States Brechter migration to the United States +

Austria was made a republic after the First World War. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken up by the Treaty of Versailles and many of its people found themselves in the new nation of Czechoslovakia. Many other Austrians and expatriate Austrians made their way to North America in the 20th century. Most landed in Philadelphia, later continuing on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Some Austrian settlers also went to western Canada and Ontario. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Brechter or a variant listed above:

Brechter Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Sophie Brechter, aged 32, who landed in New York in 1854 1


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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