Berneck History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Berneck

What does the name Berneck mean?

The surname Berneck is thought to be derived from the Germanic personal name Bernhard, composed of the elements "bern," which means "bear" and "hard," which means "hardy," "brave," or "strong."

Early Origins of the Berneck family

The surname Berneck was first found in Westphalia, where the family Berneck came from humble beginnings, but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society.

Early History of the Berneck family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berneck research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1352 is included under the topic Early Berneck History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berneck Spelling Variations

Many 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 Berneck include Berneck, Bernecker, Bernech, Berneche, Bernneck, Bernecker, Bernach, Bernache, Bernnache, Bernack, Bernacker, Berneger, Bernicke and many more.

Early Notables of the Berneck family

the von Berneck family of Westphalia

Migration of the Berneck family

After 1650, thousands of German settlers came to North America to escape the religious persecution and poverty that wracked Europe and to make the most of the opportunity to own their own land in a new country. They settled across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, and in Canada in Ontario and on the fertile plains of the prairie provinces. Among them: Elias Berneger, who settled in Philadelphia in 1738; Ludwig Bernicke who arrived in New York City in 1782; John Bernecker, who settled in Philadelphia in 1853.