Surname Brokop - Meaning and Origin
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Brokop: What does the surname Brokop mean?
The last name Brokop is of German origin and can be associated with several interpretations. The most widely accepted interpretation of the name is derived from the Middle High German word “brocken”, which translates to “little fragments” or “bits”. The second interpretation comes from the word “brocket”, which carries a similar meaning. As such, those who carry the Brokop surname can be loosely translated to have “fragmented bits” or a “broken piece” in their origin.
The surname likely originated in the Middle Ages as a byname, meaning it was used to describe a particular quality or characteristic of the individual it was attached to. It's possible that the first to take on the name may have been someone with a broken-down or fragmented appearance, bearing the features of several lost relatives or simply having a rough upbringing.
The surname can also be traced back to Dutch and German slang, speaking to those who come from a broken family, hailing from an area formerly populated by many different people. It was likely used as a way of differentiating between different sets of people from the same region.
The Brokop surname can ultimately be remembered as a reminder of the resilient nature of those who persevere despite a seemingly impossible situation or background.
Order DNA origin analysisBrokop: Where does the name Brokop come from?
The last name Brokop is most commonly found in the United States and Germany. There is some presence in other countries such as Australia, Iceland, Netherlands, and Norway; however, these cases are rare.
The majority of Brokops in the United States are descended from German immigrants who came to America to seek a better life in the 1800s. Throughout the years, many German immigrants also moved westward from Pennsylvania and other parts of the East Coast to settle in Midwestern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin. There are also Brokops in California and other western states.
The surname Brokop is also very common in Germany, where it originates. It is still a common surname in the northern and central German states, such as Hamburg, Lower-Saxony, and North-Rhine Westphalia. German immigrants also brought the last name to other countries, such as the United Kingdom, which is now home to several hundred Brokops.
In both the United States and Germany, the surname has been Anglicized in some cases, often taking on alternate spellings like Brockopp, Brookop, and Brokopp. There is also a variant of the name, Borkop, that appears in some German regions.
The surname Brokop is most likely derived from the given name Burkhard. It is likely that this name was used as a byname, similar to the modern day tradition of using surnames, before becoming an established last name.
Variations of the surname Brokop
The surname Brokop is said to originate from the Old German name Brocop, which means "a bridge over a brook". There are various spellings and variants of the surname, including: Brockopp, Brockup, Brockoppe, Brokeup, Broekopp, Brockoff, Brockhoff, Brokeoff, Brokehoff, Brocop, and Brookopp.
The earliest record of the surname can be found in 1324 and appears to have been first used in the area near the German-Dutch border. The spelling variations of the name may be attributed to the regional and linguistic differences which existed between the different countries that it was used in at the time.
The variations of the surname can also be broken down further into individual family names. In Germany, the named developed into the surnames Breekopp, Brockopp, Brockoppe, Krokoph, and Krokopp. In England, the variations were Brockup, Brokeup, and Brockoff. In the Netherlands, they evolved into the surnames Broekopp, Brockhoff, and Brokeoff.
In the United States, many generations of Brokop since the 18th century have anglicised their surnames in various ways. This includes families who have adapted it to fit the English spelling of the name – such as Brokehoff and Brokeoff – as well those who have kept the original spelling – such as Brockup, Brockopp, and Brockoff.
Famous people with the name Brokop
- Lisa Brokop: Canadian country music singer-songwriter
- Richard Brokop: tennis coach
- Marieke Brokop: Dutch artist and jewelry designer
- Cale Brokop: American actor and comedian
- Sidney Brokop: American drummer and producer
- Lindsey Brokop: American filmmaker and media entrepreneur
- Dankus Brokop: Dutch singer-songwriter
- Gunnar Brokop: German puppet maker
- Erick Brokop: American songwriter and producer
- Emile Brokop: Dutch film composer