GermanyThe German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Merk. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of barbarian tribes. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known in Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Merk family.
The surname Merk was first found in Prussia, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the feudal system.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merk research. Another 203 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1786, 1361, 1819, 1724, 1807, 1409, 1397, 1400, 1397, 1397, 1398, 1399, 1400, 1408, 1559 and 1485 are included under the topic Early Merk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Merk include Mark, Marck, Marcker, Marckert, Marquart, Marquard, Marque, Markert, Marker, Marcart, Marcard, Marquart, Marquard and many more.
Prominent bearers of the family name Merk during this time period were Thomas Merke (Merks) (died 1409), an English priest and Bishop of Carlisle (1397-1400), Educated at Oxford University, be became a Benedictine monk at Westminster Abbey, consecrated bishop about 1397, served Richard II as ambassador to various German princes in 1397, one of the commissioners who negotiated the dowry of Isabella of Valois in 1398, and accompanied the king to Ireland in 1399, supported Richard against the usurper Henry IV and in 1400 was imprisoned...
Another 86 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Merk Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Merk migration to the United States +Much of German history has been shaped by the state of Prussia. It was an enduring military power until after the Second World War. At that time, the state was abolished altogether and its land divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. While some Prussians were content to remain in those countries, others moved away, many of them migrating to North America. They entered the United States mostly through Philadelphia, moving on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others went to Canada, settling on the prairies and in the province of Ontario. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were:
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