Surname Brokof - Meaning and Origin
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Brokof: What does the surname Brokof mean?
The last name Brokof is of German origin, derived from the word 'brocken' which means 'broken pieces'. According to the International Genealogical Index, the Brokof family can be traced back to the Middle Ages in the areas of Prussia and Saxony.
The Brokof family is believed to have come from a small village in Brandenburg which was situated near the Elbe River. The family name first appeared in records around the mid-12th century.
The Brokof surname is usually associated with a hardworking and industrious personality. This is exemplified in the laxity of its various spellings (Brockof, Brocko, Brouchou, Brockhuis, Brokhuis, Bruckhof). This shows that the early family members worked hard to ensure that their name survived and remained recognisable.
The Brokof family is known to be associated primarily with the trades of metalworking and woodworking. Moreover, a small number of Brokofs held positions as merchants, teachers, and clergymen.
In the present day, the Brokof surname is still common in Europe, especially in Germany and the Netherlands. Consequently, while the name may not be as common as it was centuries ago, many members of the Brokof family are still very proud of their heritage and maintain strong links with their ancestral home.
Order DNA origin analysisBrokof: Where does the name Brokof come from?
The last name Brokof is of German origin, and is a variant of the name Brokof. It is found most commonly in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as some other regions of Europe. It is a common name in some Scandinavian countries, and some western Slavic regions. In recent decades, it has seen a sharp increase in North America, particularly in the United States, as more immigrants from these countries come to live there.
While the name has gone through various spellings over the centuries, including Brocco, Brockhof, Brockoff, and Brokoff, there is still a unified form common today. The pronunciation of the name is usually “braw-kohf”, with the “o” being long. It typically denotes a person of the peasant or lower-class social standing, but its meaning has evolved over time.
The name Brokof is an ancient one, and its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages. One of the first known variants of the name is found in the 11th century in Germany, and is still used today. The first documented bearer of the name was Johannes Bruckof, who was born in 1273 in the Bavarian village of Weibern.
Today, the name Brokof is still relatively popular in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and is growing in popularity in North America. The name has become a symbol of heritage, of family history and of a unique culture that is shared by many of its descendants.
Variations of the surname Brokof
The surname Brokof is of German and Dutch origin and the variants and spellings are Brockelmann, Bronk and Bronck, Bronckhorst, Brok, Brokken, Bröcker, and Brockhorst.
Brockelmann is the most commonly used variant of the German-origin name, originating from a family of nobles who first used the name in Lower Saxony in the Middle Ages. The name means "rock man". It was originally used as a nickname for someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or fort.
Bronk and Bronck are both Dutch variants of the surname. Bronk is a variant of the Dutch nickname for someone of dark complexion, bron meaning brown, while Bronck is a patronym derived from the given name Bronco.
Bronckhorst is another Dutch variant of the name, and it is derived from the village of Bronckhorst in Gelderland, Netherlands. It was originally used as a locational surname indicating a family from the village.
Brok or Brock is a Dutch and German variant of the surname, with the Dutch origin deriving from a nickname for someone with spiky or short hair, while the German variant is derived from the Middle High German type of surname “brocken” meaning “breaking” or “breaking land”.
Bröcker and Brokken are German variants and are derived from the Middle High German word “brocken” or “broke” meaning rock or stone. The name was likely originally used as a nickname for someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or fort.
Finally, Brokof is the Dutch spelling of the surname, derived from a family of nobles who first used the name in Lower Saxony in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old German words “brac” and “hof” meaning upper house or hall.
Famous people with the name Brokof
- David Brokof: Actor, musician and artist from the Czech Republic, known for films like Chicken with Plums and Johan Mark og den magiske diamanten, and for his work on other films, TV, video games and commercials
- Paul Brokof: German composer, arranger and musician who has worked on various films, theater and TV shows
- Jan Brokof: A Dutch entrepreneur who is the founder and former CEO of the company Brokof Corporation
- Franz Brokof: A German publicist, social scientist, and historian, who is often associated with the University of Hamburg
- Margarete Brokof: A German architect and artist, known for her innovative approach to interior design
- Christian Brokof: An Australian singer and songwriter, best known for hit singles such as "South of the Border" and "Never Let Go"
- Alexander Brokof: A Swiss football player, who plays as an attacking midfielder for FC Basel
- Helmut Brokof: A former German football player, who played as a winger for both club and country
- Steve Brokof: An American music producer and record engineer, known for his work with artists including Eminem, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey
- Peter Brokof: A Danish author, best known for his novel The Way of the Fox
- Anne Brokof: An American illustrator, best known for her watercolor artwork
- Barbara Brokof: A German artist, who has had exhibitions in many different countries
- Julius Brokof: A German playwright and author, known for classic works such as The Royal Family
- Elisabeth Brokof: An Austrian journalist, who is a regular contributor to art magazines and newspapers