| ![Show Contents]() Breytenbach History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Germany
Early Origins of the Breytenbach familyThe surname Breytenbach was first found in Hessen, where the name was closely identified in the early period of history with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout Europe. The name would later emerge as an influential noble family, having many distinguished branches, and well known for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Johan Jacob Breytenbach (died 1786), originally from Würzburg in the region of Franconia, northern Bavaria emigrated to South Africa where he married Gerbrecht Bezuidenhout in 1749. Together, they are considered the progenitors of the family throughout South Africa. One of their descendants, Niklaas Breytenbach founded the South African town of Breyten in Mpumalanga in the 19th century. Early History of the Breytenbach familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Breytenbach research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1690, 1837, 1856 and 1871 are included under the topic Early Breytenbach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Breytenbach Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: Breidenberg, Breitenberg, Breittenberg, Breitenberge, Breidenbergs, Breidenbberg, Breitenbach, Breidenbach, Breidenstein, Breitenberger, Breitenbuck, von Riedt and many more. Early Notables of the Breytenbach familyMore information is included under the topic Early Breytenbach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Breytenbach RankingSouth Africa, the name Breytenbach is the 891st most popular surname with an estimated 7,802 people with that name. 1 Migration of the Breytenbach familySome of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Lorens Breidenback, who came to Philadelphia in 1804.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Breytenbach (post 1700) | + |
- Breyten Breytenbach (1939-2024), South African writer and painter who is an avid apartheid opponent
- Joe Breytenbach (b. 1983), South African rugby union player who has played professionally since 2009
- Pierre Breytenbach, South African actor and comic
- Glynnis Breytenbach, South African politician, South African Shadow Minister of Justice (2014–)
- Jan Dirk Breytenbach DVR SD SM MMM (b. 1933), founder of the South African Special Forces Brigade
- Anna Breytenbach (b. 1968), South African interspecies communicator, animal activist, conservationist, and public speaker
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