| ![Show Contents]() Brekke History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany The Brekke family name first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria. After the 12th century, hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules, and names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Brekke is a local surname. Originally denoting the proprietorship of an estate or influence within a village, the German preposition von, which means from or of, used with local names, was taken as a mark of aristocracy. The surname Brekke was given to someone who lived in a place called Brackenhofer. There are numerous areas in Germany that are named Brackenhofer or Pracht. Brekke is also nickname type of surname derived from the Low German Brackenhofer, which means brushwood, bushes, and this name was given to a person who lived near a wooded or brushy area. Alternatively, the name is also a nickname, derived from the German word braht, which means noise or loud, for a boisterous person. Early Origins of the Brekke familyThe surname Brekke was first found in Bavaria, where the name Brackenhofer became noted for its numerous branches throughout the region. Each house acquired a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region, and resulted in the Brackenhofer allegiance being actively sought by these same princes. Over time, the family became a power unto themselves as members of the family were elevated to the ranks of nobility, an honor which served to further enhance their prominence within Bavaria. Early History of the Brekke familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brekke research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brekke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Brekke Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Brekke include Brakenhofer, Brackenhoffer, Brachenhofer, Brachenhoffer, Brakkenhofer, Brakkenhoffer, Brackenho, Braeckenhofer, Braeckenhoffer, Brachenhofer, Braechenhoffer, Braekkenhofer, Braekkenhoffer, Breckenhofer, Breckenhoffer, Brechenhofer, Brechenhoffer, Brekkenhofer, Brekkenhoffer and many more. Early Notables of the Brekke familyMore information is included under the topic Early Brekke Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Brekke RankingIn the United States, the name Brekke is the 13,342nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1 Migration of the Brekke familyThe great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: Heinrich Brackenhof, who came to New York City in 1847 as well as other people who settled on the eastern seaboard of the United States and in Canada during the 18th and 19th centuries..
| Contemporary Notables of the name Brekke (post 1700) | + |
- P. O. Brekke, American politician, Member of South Dakota State House of Representatives 32nd District, 1945-50 2
- Lola M. Brekke, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from California, 1972 2
- Kris Brekke, American Libertarian politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from North Dakota at-large, 1988 2
- Gerald W. Brekke, American politician, Representative from Minnesota 2nd District, 2000 2
- Leif Arne Brekke (b. 1977), Norwegian football defender
- Paal Brekke (1923-1993), Norwegian lyricist and novelist
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