| ![Show Contents]() Broeks History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Germany
Etymology of BroeksWhat does the name Broeks mean? Prussia, Germany is the ancestral home of the Broeks family. The Germans began using hereditary surnames in the 12th century. Broeks is an occupational name, which was derived from the kind of work done by the original bearer. It is a name for a near a bridge. The family name Broeks 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 Broeks stems from the Low German word brauk which means swamp. Alternatively, in the eastern parts of Germany, the surname Broeks originated as a nickname type of surname derived from the Wendish (Slavic) word bruk, which means beetle or bug. Early Origins of the Broeks familyThe surname Broeks 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 Broeks familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Broeks research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1500, 1515 and 1554 are included under the topic Early Broeks History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Broeks 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 Broeks include Bruch, Brucke, Brukke, Breuck, Breucke, Breuch, Breukk, Brueck, Bruech, Bruecke and many more. Early Notables of the Broeks familyMore information is included under the topic Early Broeks Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Broeks familyPrussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Broeks 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.
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