Surname Borkholder - Meaning and Origin
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Borkholder: What does the surname Borkholder mean?
The last name Borkholder is an occupational surname most associated with North America. It originates from the Middle High German word "burc" meaning "protection"; combined with "hold" meaning "holder." It was likely a name given by Otto von Bismark to denote civil guards, or those with the responsibility of protecting public property.
The surname Borkholder likely originated with an ancestor who held a protective or custodial role in their community. This could be a watchman, a constable, or someone who maintained public order and safety. This heightened sense of responsibility was likely seen as commendable and a source of pride within the family, eventually leading to the surname's adoption.
Today, the surname Borkholder is mostly popular in the United States, with the majority of bearers living in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Maryland. It is a relatively rare name, with fewer than 10,000 bearers in the world. While the meaning of the name has changed somewhat over the years, the basic sense of responsibility remains, and its bearers still value family and duty.
Order DNA origin analysisBorkholder: Where does the name Borkholder come from?
Today, the last name Borkholder is most commonly found in the United States. Specifically, it can be found most prevalently in the Midwest, where those of German and Swiss-German descent reside. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan have the largest concentrations of Borkholders living in the United States.
The Borkholder surname is found quite often among the Pennsylvania Amish, who number almost 30,000 and are the largest Amish population in the country. Those of the Swiss-German Mennonite faith also commonly carry the last name Borkholder. German immigrants brought the name to the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Though Borkholder is considered an uncommon surname, its frequency has been rising in recent years, likely due to baby namers seeking a unique family name with a strong heritage. The Borkholder Family Association, active since 2003, is also providing more visibility to the name.
Given the name's does oft-associated with German and Swiss-German culture, it can also be found around the world in places such as Germany, Australia, Canada and Russia.
Variations of the surname Borkholder
The surname Borkholder can have several variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The surnames Borkholder, Boorkholder, Borchholtz, Boorcholtz, Borched, Burchheld, Burckholder, Borkhoelter, Borkholtz, Borcholtz, Borchheltz, Bergholtz, and Borgoltz all come from the same origin.
The names are derived from the German bürgermeister, or mayor, of a city, which was derived from the Old High German burg, or municipality, and the Old High German holtz, or ruler.
The surname Borkholder is also an Americanized version of the German surname Bergholder. It is an anglicized form of the German names Berg, mountain, and Holder, ruler, or leader.
Variations in spelling occur for many reasons. One reason is language, because each language may contain words that have different spellings. Another reason is dialectical differences. In addition, there may be typographical errors, mistakes made in recording, or changes in spelling by individuals who wished to conform to the conventions of their adopted language.
The surnames Borkholder, Boorkholder, Borchholtz, Borcholtz, Boorcholtz, Borched, Burchheld, Burckholder, Borkhoelter, Borkholtz, Borchheltz, Bergholtz, and Borgoltz refer to the same origin and spine an intricate web of bearers over a wide swath of Europe throughout recorded history. Therefore, it is possible to encounter members of any of these surnames anywhere in Europe.
Famous people with the name Borkholder
- Mark Borkholder: Actor in a couple episodes of the television series Orange Is the New Black.
- Mario Borkholder: Author of several Amish historical novels, including Process Speak and An Amish Genesis: The Riddle of Life.
- Ezekiel Borkholder: Award-winning fiddle player, born in Ohio's Amish Country.
- Ervin Borkholder: Mennonite minister and co-founder of Pathway Publishers, a Mennonite book publishing company.
- Mary Borkholder: American poet and author of several books of poetry, including River Songs and Other Reflections.
- Dorothy Borkholder: American author of Amish fiction and non-fiction books. Her most popular works include Amish Quilts and Beyond and The Amish in Their Own Words
- Amos Borkholder: American old-time musician and songwriter. He is best known for his composition "Brakeman's Blues," published in 1938.
- David Borkholder: Musician, composer, and accordionist, and one of the founders of the Johnstown Red and White Band in 1978.
- Abe Borkholder: American Presbyterian minister and member of the United Nations' Commission on International Justice and Peace.
- John Borkholder: American Amish quilt-maker and Amish artist based in northern Indiana.