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![Show Contents]() Burker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The distinguished family surname Burker originated in the lands which eventually became the German state of Prussia. This state was known for its majestic landscape, its rapid industrial growth, its military power, and for its contributions to European culture. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia. The Burker family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany. Early Origins of the Burker familyThe surname Burker was first found in Prussia, where the Borcker name made a great early contribution to the feudal society of early Europe. The name Borcker became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses where family members continued to play important roles in the savage tribal and national conflicts which resulted as each group sought to maximize its power and status in an ever changing territorial profile. Early History of the Burker familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Burker research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1773 is included under the topic Early Burker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Burker 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 Burker include Borcker, Borkker, Borcher, Borchers, Borker, Borchar, Borckar, Borkkar, Boercker, Buercker, Burcker, Boerkker, Buerkker, Burkker, Boercher, Buercher, Burcher, Boerchers, Buerchers, Burchers, Boerker, Buerker, Burker, Boerchar, Buerchar, Burchar, Boerkkar, Buerkkar, Burkkar, Borckel, Borckele and many more. Early Notables of the Burker familyMore information is included under the topic Early Burker Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Burker familyThe state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Burkers to arrive in North America, and among them were: Edward Burcher who, accompanied by his wife, arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1623; Abraham Burcher who arrived in Virginia in 1638; L. Borchers, age 24.
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