Brockdorff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Brockdorff

What does the name Brockdorff mean?

The history of the Brockdorff family began in the historic kingdom of Schleswig, which is the northernmost state in western Germany. By and large, hereditary surname were formed in Germany when areas of Schleswig, and most of the German states, were a part of the Holy Roman Empire. At this time, as the population of Europe swelled and travel became easier, people began to encounter others sharing their own name and they avoided confusion by adopting a second name. A common form of surname found in Schleswig are those that are derived from nicknames.

Early Origins of the Brockdorff family

The surname Brockdorff was first found in Holstein, where the name Brockdorff emerged in mediaeval times as one of the notable families of the region. The first of the name on record is Hildevus von Brockdorff, a knight (c.1220 A.D.). From the 13th century the surname was identified with the great social and economic evolution which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development of the nation.

Early History of the Brockdorff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brockdorff research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1432, 1775, 1826 and 1850 are included under the topic Early Brockdorff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brockdorff Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Brockdorff, Brockdorf, Brockdorffer, Brockdorfer, Brockdorph, Brockdorp, Brockdorper, Brocktorf, Brocktorfer, Brocktorffer, Brochdorf, Brochdorff, Brochdorffer, Brochdorp, Brochdorper, Brocktorf, Brocktorfer, Brochtorffer, Brokdorff, Brokdorf, Brokdorp, Brokdorffer, Brokdorfer, Brokdorph, Brokdorp, Brokdorper, Broktorf, Broktorfer, Broktorffer, Brauckdorf, Brauckdorff, Brauckdorffer, Brukdorp and many more.

Early Notables of the Brockdorff family

the von Brockdorff, ennobled as Barons in 1432 by Emperor Sigismund of the Holy Roman Empire
a later relative, Baron Cai Frederich von Brockdorff (c 1775-1850) came to Malta

Brockdorff migration to the United States +

Brockdorff Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

George Brockdorff, who arrived in Oregon in 1867

Brockdorff migration to Canada +

Brockdorff Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Count Brockdorff, who settled in Ontario in 1871

Contemporary Notables of the name Brockdorff (post 1700) +

Dr. Thilo Graf Brockdorff (1934-2005), German diplomat, Count Brockdorff
Alex Brockdorff, born Alexander von Brockdorff, British actor, film-maker and former British Army Officer