Broeke History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Broeke

What does the name Broeke mean?

The Broeke family originated in the German state of Prussia. As hereditary surnames were adopted in that area beginning in the 12th century, people were often identified by the kind of work they did. Broeke is an occupational name for a near a bridge. The family name Broeke was originally derived from the German word brücke, which in turn was originally derived from the Old German brugga, which means bridge. However, in the Low German regions, the name Broeke stems from the Low German word brauk which means swamp. Alternatively, in the eastern parts of Germany, the surname Broeke originated as a nickname type of surname derived from the Wendish (Slavic) word bruk, which means beetle or bug.

Early Origins of the Broeke family

The surname Broeke was first found in Bavaria, where the name Bruck became noted for its many branches with the region where each house acquired a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region.

One of the first records of the family was Ocko I tom Brok (de Broke) (c. 1345-1389), Chieftain of the Brokmerland and the Auricherland in East Frisia, a former territory on Germany's North Sea coast (1376-1389.) His son, Ocko II tom Brok (1407-1435) was also Chieftain of the Brokmerland and the Auricherland in East Frisia.

Early History of the Broeke family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Broeke research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1500, 1515 and 1554 are included under the topic Early Broeke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Broeke Spelling Variations

In 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 Broeke include Bruch, Brucke, Brukke, Breuck, Breucke, Breuch, Breukk, Brueck, Bruech, Bruecke and many more.

Early Notables of the Broeke family

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

Migration of the Broeke family

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Broekes to arrive in North America, and among them were: Magdalena and Friedrich Bruck, who both arrived in Philadelphia in 1776; Jacob and Ludwick Bruck arrived in Somerset County, Pa. in 1838; Elis arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1846.