Surname Berkefeld - Meaning and Origin

Berkefeld: What does the surname Berkefeld mean?

The surname Berkefeld is of German origin; it is derived from the Germanic words 'berg' meaning 'mountain' and 'feld' meaning 'field' or 'plain'. Translated literally, Berkefeld means 'mountain plain.' The earliest known mention of Berkefeld was in 1138, when one Thidericus de Berkenvelt was recorded in the Northern German region of Holstein. It is believed that as a result of this record the Berkefeld surname developed. Over time, the surname spread across Northern Europe, particularly settling in countries like France, England, Switzerland, Denmark, and Austria.

The main characteristic of the Berkefeld surname is its strong association with nature; a strength which is clearly visible in its literal meaning. Those with the Berkefeld surname would likely have a strong connection to the natural world, or a deep appreciation of nature and the outdoors. This connection to nature often manifests in the form of energy, resiliency, and general industriousness.

Over time, the Berkefeld surname has produced many successful and influential people. Berkefelds have distinguished themselves in fields such as banking, politics, and philosophy, showing a unique aptitude for entrepreneurship and an unassuming natural wit. Despite their success in the world, those with the Berkefeld surname remain rooted in their love for nature. This connection with the outdoors often drives those with the Berkefeld surname to pursue natural endeavors, such as farming, forestry, and environmentalism.

The Berkefeld surname is a family of hard-working people with a strong affinity for the natural world. A distinctive combination of intelligence, fortitude, and humble appreciation for the outdoors, gives this surname an unique individual character. Despite the many diverse accomplishments of its members, the Berkefeld surname remains true to its nature-focused origin.

Berkefeld: Where does the name Berkefeld come from?

The last name Berkefeld is most often found in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and Lichtenstein. The surname is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German words "berch" (mountain) and "veld" (field), indicating the family likely originated from an area with valleys and hills in Germany.

The frequency of the name Berkefeld varies by region, with a concentration in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Saxony, where it ranks in the top 100 most common names. In those states, the name is typically found in rural and small towns. It's also popular in some parts of Rheinland Pfalz, located in southwestern Germany.

A less concentrated but more widespread presence of Berkefeld can also be found in other areas of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In the United States, the surname is much less common, with fewer than 900 people bearing the name nationwide as of the 2010 census. That said, it is most heavily concentrated in Wisconsin, where the highest concentration of Berkefelds live.

Overall, the Berkefeld name is most associated with Germany and German-speaking countries as a result of the long history of German migration to other parts of Europe and the United States.

Variations of the surname Berkefeld

Berkefeld is an uncommon German surname that has been spelled in a variety of ways over time. Initially, the surname was spelled Berkeveld, which is still found today, and is the original Dutch spelling. Over time, the name was also spelled Berkevelde, Berkevel, Berkveld, Berkeveldt, Berkfeld, Berkvelet, Barkeveld, Barkeveldt, and Berkefeld, which is the common spelling today.

Variations on the Berkefeld surname have given birth to numerous spellings of the name. Berkeveldt is one of the earliest forms of spelling found today, and its variations are also found in the Netherlands. In Germany, the most common variation is spelled Berkefeld, with a b as opposed to a v, and may also feature a d at the end of the name.

One of the most common variations of the Berkefeld surname is Berkfeld, which is seen in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. This spelling is also found in the United States and Canada, where a variety of immigrants with a similar-sounding surname settled in the United States after leaving Europe.

Within the United States, immigrants with the Berkefeld surname often anglicized their surnames. This gave birth to numerous surnames such as Barksfield/Barksfeld, Berkesfield, Berksfield, Bergsfeld, Barckfeld, Barksfelt, and Burkefield.

Outside of the usual variations, there are numerous spelling errors that can be seen amongst the Berkefeld surname. Some of these errors include Barksfield, Barkfield, Berksfeld, Berkfield, and Burkfield, all of which can be attributed to immigration process errors or incorrect understanding of the original spelling. Additionally, some Berkefeld individuals have adopted alternative spellings such as Barkfold, Berkefold, Barkefold, Berksfold, and Barkfelt, which are uncommon but occasionally seen.

Famous people with the name Berkefeld

• Paul Berkefeld (1845-1926), German geophysicist
• Ann Berkefeld (b. 1990), American Olympic swimmer
• John Berkefeld (b.1941), American zoologist
• Juan Berkefeld (1892-1979), Chilean botanist
• Sybille Berkefeld (1918-2015), German actress
• Emmett Berkefeld (b.1876), American police officer
• Joseph Berkefeld (1843-1913), Canadian shipbuilder
• Jake Berkefeld (b. 1988), American football player
• Henning Berkefeld (1903-1973), German painter
• Ed Berkefeld (b.1940), American aerospace engineer

Other surnames

Berkefeldt