Brakker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Germany

Etymology of Brakker

Bavaria, one of the oldest and largest of the German states, is the birthplace of the Brakker family. After the 12th century, hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules. Names derived from occupations were particularly common in this region. Brakker is an occupational surname for master of hunting dogs. Further research showed the name was derived from the German word bracke. The surname Brakker was also a nickname for a person that resembled a hunting dog. Moreover, the surname Brakker is a nickname for a boisterous person, which is derived from the German word braht, which means loud or noise.

Early Origins of the Brakker family

Early History of the Brakker family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brakker research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1637 and 1742 are included under the topic Early Brakker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brakker 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 Brakker include Brack, Bracke, Brach, Brache, Brak, Brakk, Brakke, Bracken, Brakken, Brachen, Bracker, Brakker, Bracher, Brackner, Brakkner, Brachner, Brackel, Brackell, Brachel, Brachell, Brakkel and many more.

Early Notables of the Brakker family

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

Migration of the Brakker family

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Brakkers to arrive in North America, and among them were: James Bracke who settled in Virginia in 1666; Rudolph Brack, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1733; Anne Brack, age 30; who arrived in New York in 1851 with Jacob, age 9 months.