Surname Barkholder - Meaning and Origin
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Barkholder: What does the surname Barkholder mean?
The last name Barkholder is of American origin. It is derived from the English word "bark" which is a protective outer layer of a tree.
The surname Barkholder originated in the Middle Ages, specifically in England and Scotland, when people took names based on their environment, their occupations, and their locations. Those who held the name Barkholder were likely woodworkers, such as coopers, carpenters, and charcoal makers. As the name suggested, these individuals gathered and processed tree bark for use in their trades.
Today, the name Barkholder is still associated with woodworking, although not necessarily the same type of woodworking as in the Middle Ages. People with this surname may be said to have a connection to the natural world and their environment. It is also a reminder of the resources available to us if we are willing to work hard and make the most of what nature has to offer.
The name Barkholder is not very common, and can be seen as a badge of honor as it describes the hard work and dedication of generations before us. It is a reminder of the pieces of our history that are connected to the natural world.
Order DNA origin analysisBarkholder: Where does the name Barkholder come from?
The last name Barkholder is most common today in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of people with the Barkholder surname is 5,019. The name is most prevalent in Pennsylvania with 15.48 residents per 1,000 people or 943 people with the last name. California is the second highest population of Barkholders with 10.99 residents per 1,000 people or 2,155 people. New Jersey and Ohio follow with 6.41 and 5.96 Barkholders per 1,000 residents, respectively.
The Barkholder surname is also found in Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and Argentina. The regions with the highest concentration of Barkholders in Canada are British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. In Great Britain, Barkholder is the 80,071st most popular surname, and the highest population of Barkholders living in that area is in London. Other countries with a presence of the Barkholder surname are Austria, Ireland, Jamaica, Switzerland, Germany, and Peru.
The Barkholder surname, which is of occupational origin, likely derived from the Middle English term "barkhewer," in which a barkhewer was a "woodcutter who stripped bark from trees." The bark was used in various construction enterprises such as roofing. As of yet, the exact origin of the Barkholders is unknown, although it is believed to have come from the British Isles.
Variations of the surname Barkholder
The surname Barkholder can have several spellings and variants, depending on the region or country where it originates. Here are some common variations:
1. Barkholder: This is the most common variant of the surname. It is derived from an Old English word meaning to “hold” or “guard”.
2. Barkhald: This variant has some Germanic elements and is believed to originate from the region of Hessen.
3. Barkhalt: This is primarily a German variant and a phonetic version of the surname, usually found in areas like Bavaria.
4. Barkholt: This variant has similar roots to the previous two, by evolving from the Old English elements “bald” and “heard”.
5. Barkholme: This is another variant that evolved from the Old English into Middle English. It was likely used as a region near the border of England and Scotland.
6. Barkhul: This variant is mainly seen in Scotland and has its roots in Scottish Gaelic.
7. Barkman: This is a more contemporary variant that has become increasingly popular in the United States.
Overall, there are numerous variants and spellings of the surname Barkholder, each with its own unique backstory and origin. Furthermore, these variants can provide information about a family's heritage and can even help with genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Barkholder
- Carli Barkholder: professional Golfer from Arkansas
- Kenneth Barkholder: American artist specializing in bronze and steel sculpture
- John Barkholder: Actor and theatre director
- Paul Barkholder: Politician from Ohio
- Stephen Barkholder: Marine Sergeant who was awarded the Purple Heart
- Lisa Barkholder: Lead singer for the rock band “Verity”
- Nick Barkholder: Award-winning children’s book author
- William Barkholder: Olympic sprinter who represented the United States in the 1956 Summer Olympics
- Terry Barkholder: Retired professional ice hockey player
- Malcolm Barkholder: Award-winning film composer and recording artist