Donker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Netherlands

Early Origins of the Donker family

The surname Donker was first found in Holland, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in Amsterdam, an ancient 13th century town held by the Lords of Amstel. Giesebrecht II built a castle there. Geisbrecht III built the dam to keep out the sea. It is first mentioned in charters of 1275 when Floris IV, the count of Holland granted its charter. It became a city of great mercantile wealth. It hold great treasures of art. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into a most influential family.

Early History of the Donker family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donker research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1635, 1664, 1666, 1668 and 1793 are included under the topic Early Donker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Donker Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Doncker, Donck, Doncke, Donckere, Doncquer, Doncquers, Donker, Donkers, Donkersloot, Donckermann and many more.

Early Notables of the Donker family

Pieter Donker (1635-1668), a Dutch Golden Age painter...

Donker Ranking

Netherlands, the name Donker is the 464^th most popular surname with an estimated 3,680 people with that name. 1

Donker migration to the United States +

Donker Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

J. Donker, who settled in Baltimore in 1854

Contemporary Notables of the name Donker (post 1700) +

Leendert Antonie Donker (1899-1956), Dutch politician
Adriaan Donker (1933-2002), Dutch-born, pioneering South African publisher

Sources +

"Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames