From the historical and enchanting region of Austria emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Planks 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 Planks 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.
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Early Origins of the Planks family
The surname Planks 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 Planks family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Planks research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1622, 1733 and 1751 are included under the topic Early Planks History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Planks Spelling Variations
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 Planks include Planck, Planckh, Plank, Plankl, Plankel, Plenk, Blanck and many more.
Early Notables of the Planks family
Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Planks Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Planks family
Austria was made a republic after the First World War. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken up by the Treaty of Versailles and many of its people found themselves in the new nation of Czechoslovakia. Many other Austrians and expatriate Austrians made their way to North America in the 20th century. Most landed in Philadelphia, later continuing on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Some Austrian settlers also went to western Canada and Ontario. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Planks or a variant listed above: 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..
