Shanker History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Shanker

What does the name Shanker mean?

A multitude of prestigious family names, such as the surname Shanker, were formed in the lands which became the modern state of Silesia. In the medieval era, Germany was fragmented and inhabited by numerous Barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The ancient dukedom of Silesia derived its name from the Germanic tribe named the Silingers, who occupied Silesia between the 2nd and the 6th centuries.

Early Origins of the Shanker family

The surname Shanker was first found in Silesia, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from the 13th century onwards. 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 and the nation. The name Schenck was associated with service to many princely families, and several bearers of the name achieved prominent positions, such as Werner Schenck von Reicheneck, who was bishop of Bamberg in 1329.

Early History of the Shanker family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shanker research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1660, 1711, 1764, 1788 and 1841 are included under the topic Early Shanker History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shanker Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Schenck, Schenk, Schencken, Schencker, Schenken, Schenker, Schaenker, Schaencker, Shenkin and many more.

Early Notables of the Shanker family

Schenk von Limburg (middle of 13th century), who was a noted German poet in the service of the Hohenstaufen Kings. Schenk von Lisseburg was also a poet of the same period. Petrus Schenck, or Pieter, or...
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Shanker Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Shanker family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Michael Schenck, who arrived in Lancaster Pennsylvania in 1709; as did Johannes Schenk in 1712; Michael Schenck came to Philadelphia in 1727; as well as Andreas Schenck in 1732.

Contemporary Notables of the name Shanker (post 1700) +

Albert Shanker (1928-1997), American President of the United Federation of Teachers (1964 to 1985) and President of the American Federation of Teachers (1974 to 1997), recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom