Beckenhof History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Beckenhof

What does the name Beckenhof mean?

The colorful history of Switzerland, which is renowned for both its beauty and its political neutrality, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Beckenhof family. Before the late Middle Ages, people were known only by a single name. However, as the population increased and travelers set out on their journeys, it became necessary for people to adopt a second name to identify themselves. Many people, such as the Beckenhof family, adopted the name of their feudal occupation as their surname. However, an occupational name did not become a hereditary surname until the office or type of employment became hereditary. The surname Beckenhof was an occupational name for a baker. Checking further we found the name was derived from the German word beck, which means bake.

Early Origins of the Beckenhof family

The surname Beckenhof was first found in Switzerland, where the name Beckenhofen came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the house acquired estates in new areas which, combined with their great contributions to society, succeeded in elevating their social status.

Early History of the Beckenhof family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Beckenhof research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Beckenhof History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Beckenhof Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Beckenhofen, Beckenhoffen, Bechenhofen, Bechenhoffen, Beckenhaufen, Beckenhauffen, Bechenhaufen, Beckhoff, Bechhoefer, Bechofer, Backenhofen, Baeckenhofen, Backenhoffen, Baeckenhoffen, Bachenhofen, Baechenhofen, Bachenhoffen, Baechenhoffen, Backenhaufen, Baeckenhaufen, Backenhauffen, Baeckenhauffen, Bachenhaufen, Baechenhaufen, Backhoff, Baeckhoff, Bachhoefer, Baechhoefer, Bachofer, Baechofer and many more.

Early Notables of the Beckenhof family

the Beckenhofen family of Switzerland

Migration of the Beckenhof family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Ludolph Gottlieb Backhof who arrived in New York, New York in 1753; Abraham Leopold Bechhoefer settled in Philadelphia in 1851; John Beckhoff settled in Philadelphia in 1869.