Plankel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Plankel

What does the name Plankel mean?

From the historical and enchanting region of Austria emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Plankel family. Originally, the Austrian people were known only by a single name. The process by which hereditary surnames were adopted in Austria is extremely interesting. Surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Plankel is a nickname type of surname for a person with blond hair or a pale complexion having derived from the German word blanc, which means white or light.

Early Origins of the Plankel family

The surname Plankel was first found in Austria and southern Bavaria, where this family made important contributions toward the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social and political affairs, the family forged alliances with other families within the nation. Chronicles first mention Nicholas Plank of Bruenn in 1345, and the brothers Joerg and Ulrich Plank of Ulm in 1460.

Early History of the Plankel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Plankel research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1622, 1733 and 1751 are included under the topic Early Plankel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Plankel 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 Plankel include Planck, Planckh, Plank, Plankl, Plankel, Plenk, Blanck and many more.

Early Notables of the Plankel family

Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Plankel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Plankel family

After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians 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 Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Plankel were Jacob Albertzen Planck, who arrived in New York City in 1634. In 1710; Johanna Elizabeth Planck, Johannes Planck and Maria Margaret Planck arrived in New York City. Christian Blanck came to Philadelphia in 1733 and David Blank arrived there in 1754. John Plank came to Canada in 1836..