The surname Breningmeyer was first used as a hereditary surname in the ancient German province of Westphalia. It identified its original bearer by occupation. Surnames of this type became popular in Germany after the 12th century. Breningmeyer is a name for a person who distilled spirits. Breningmeyer is a German and Jewish name that was originally derived from the German word brenner, which as a derivative of the word brennen, means a burner. This name also refers to a person who cleared forests by burning.
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Early Origins of the Breningmeyer family
The surname Breningmeyer was first found in Westphalia, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power.
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Early History of the Breningmeyer family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Breningmeyer research. Another 43 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1686 is included under the topic Early Breningmeyer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Breningmeyer Spelling Variations
One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Breningmeyer include Brenninger, Brenning, Breninger, Breninnger, Brenningen, Brenningmaier, Brenninkmaier (Netherlands), Brenningmeyer and many more.
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Early Notables of the Breningmeyer family
More information is included under the topic Early Breningmeyer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Breningmeyer family
Many Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of 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 settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them: Hans Jacob Breninger, who came to Philadelphia in 1733. Gustav Brenning came to Philadelphia in 1868. Christian Brenninger came to Philadelphia in 1852.
Germany
