Show ContentsSchenken History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

A multitude of prestigious family names, such as the surname Schenken, were formed in the lands which became the modern state of Silesia. In the medieval era, Germany was fragmented and inhabited by numerous Barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The ancient dukedom of Silesia derived its name from the Germanic tribe named the Silingers, who occupied Silesia between the 2nd and the 6th centuries.

Early Origins of the Schenken family

The surname Schenken was first found in Silesia, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from the 13th century onwards. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. The name Schenck was associated with service to many princely families, and several bearers of the name achieved prominent positions, such as Werner Schenck von Reicheneck, who was bishop of Bamberg in 1329.

Early History of the Schenken family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Schenken research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1660, 1711, 1764, 1788 and 1841 are included under the topic Early Schenken History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Schenken Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Schenck, Schenk, Schencken, Schencker, Schenken, Schenker, Schaenker, Schaencker, Shenkin and many more.

Early Notables of the Schenken family

Notables of the period with the surname Schenken were Schenk von Limburg (middle of 13th century), who was a noted German poet in the service of the Hohenstaufen Kings. Schenk von Lisseburg was also a poet...
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Schenken Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Schenken migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Schenken Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Chs. Schenken, aged 28, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Neptune"
  • Mr. Chs Schenken, aged 28, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1846 aboard the ship "Neptune"

Contemporary Notables of the name Schenken (post 1700) +

  • Jerry Schenken, American Republican politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Nebraska 2nd District, 1988; Presidential Elector for Nebraska, 1992 1


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, February 9) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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