The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Ocke family. Ocke is a local name, first used as a surname for someone who lived in Bavaria, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging medieval society. The name Ocke evolved from the Old German personal name Ott, a name of Emperors, made famous by Otto the Great (912-973), Holy Roman emperor.
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Early Origins of the Ocke family
The surname Ocke was first found in Bavaria, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates and branches, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society.
Early History of the Ocke family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ocke research. Another 168 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1563, 1743, 1755, 1788, 1792 and 1840 are included under the topic Early Ocke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Ocke 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 Ocke include Ott, Otte, Ottel, Oettel, Oettle, Oettli, Otts, Ot and many more.
Early Notables of the Ocke family
Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ocke Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Ocke family
European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Ockes to arrive in North America, and among them were: Hermann Otte, who came to New Netherlands (now New York) in 1661. Hans Michael Ott settled in Philadelphia in 1743; Jacob Ott arrived in New York City in 1765.
