Surname Brokopf - Meaning and Origin
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Brokopf: What does the surname Brokopf mean?
The last name Brokopf is of German origin and was most likely derived from two words meaning broken or split peak or hilltop. This type of surname is referred to as a toponymic name, which is a surname derived from the place or region an individual or family originally lived.
The name likely refers to a region which is now a part of Germany. The first recorded instance of the surname, most likely from a family living in the region, occurred in 1243, in the form of Brokop. In 1447, the name was recorded in a German tax book as Brokopf.
The name may be a descriptive name as well as a toponymic one, referring to a nature feature such as a hilltop that has been split or broken, signifying either a change in the family's circumstances or a physical landmark that was particularly memorable. Over the centuries, it is likely that the name has been spread throughout the world as individuals and families have sought new opportunities in different countries.
In the absence of additional information, it would be difficult to determine what other motivations may have been at play in the creation and spread of the name, but it appears to have been an enduring one. Today, the name is found primarily in Germany and other countries around the world with Germanic heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisBrokopf: Where does the name Brokopf come from?
The last name Brokopf is a common Central German name. The various spellings of the name suggest it is of Slavic origin. Brokopf is a rare name in many countries today, with the exception of a few, most notably Germany and the United States.
In Germany, the name Brokopf can be found in both rural and urban areas, but it is more commonly seen in the northern and central states, such as Lower Saxony, Hamburg, and Berlin. The name is also particularly popular in the southern states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
In the United States, the last name Brokopf is primarily found in states like Texas, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio. According to a recent census, about 4,400 people currently reside in the United States with the name Brokopf.
Given the small population of those with the name Brokopf, it is likely that family members with the same surname are related to each other. With the help of genealogical records, descendants of the name Brokopf can trace their family history back to Germany.
Variations of the surname Brokopf
The surname Brokopf is a German name with several variants and related spellings. The earliest known incidence of the name comes from the late 1500s when it was spelled Brauckopf. Over time, the spelling of the name has changed and adapted to various languages and dialects, resulting in several variants. In German, it is mostly spelled Brokopf, but it can also be written as Braukopf, Bronkopf, Brukopf, Bronckopf, Broekopf, Bruckopf, Prokopf, Prökopf, Proekopf, Pruckopf, Breukopf, Brekopf and Breckopf.
Several different surnames are also derived from the original spelling of Brokopf. In German, they include Prokop, Prökop, Brökopf, Prukopf, Proekopf, Brandkopf and Bronckopf. In Dutch, the names are almost the same as in German, but with different endings: Braukoppen, Brokoff, Brökopf, Prökop, Prökopf, Bruckoff, Brukoff, Bruckhoff and Bronkhoff. In Scandinavia, variants such as Bruckop, Brucop, Brogop and Brouson are common. In the United States, names such as Brughop, Brockop, Brockhoph and Brophop are used. In France, the name has been changed to utilize Gallic pronunciation, leading to variants such as Bramcop and Brucaup.
Many of these variants and surnames can be viewed as derivatives of the original German spelling of Brokopf. Despite the various spellings, the name is still recognizable as deriving from the same origin.
Famous people with the name Brokopf
- Betty Brokopf: A German soccer player, who played as a forward for the German international women's team from 1987 to 1996.
- Dirk Brokopf: A German television actor who played roles in popular German television shows like “Rosamunde Pilcher” and “Die Wache”.
- Andy Brokopf: An Austrian author and illustrator, known for creating touching and humorous stories for children and adults alike.
- Georg Brokopf: An Austrian violinist and music teacher who has performed throughout Europe and the United States.
- Christiane Brokopf: The first female to sing the counterbalance in an opera. She was held in high esteem in the mid-1800s for her stage acting, voice and dramatic interpretation.
- Jürgen Brokopf: A German photographer known for his portraits and lifestyle shots. He often uses natural lighting and candid shots.
- Werner Brokopf: An Austrian architect who designed many buildings in the city of Vienna. Most famous among them is the Wasserburg Hotel in Penzing.
- Daniel Brokopf: A Swiss contemporary artist who creates installations, sculptures and paintings that address issues such as man-nature interaction, architecture and urban planning.
- Manni Brokopf: A German former professional tennis player, who won a men's singles title at the ATP Challenger Series in Braunschweig in 1978.