Surname Buerckel - Meaning and Origin

Buerckel: What does the surname Buerckel mean?

Buerckel is a German surname derived from the Old Germanic 'burg'. It originally signified someone who was a protector of a castle or fortification.The name specifically referred to a 'burghalet', meaning someone who was in charge of the defense walls, towers and watch posts. Thus, Buerckel is thought to have been used as a title or nick name for a military leader, often one who was well respected.

Due to the meaning of "burghalet," Buerckel could also signify someone who was respected in the community, as someone who was a watchman, a village leader or someone with a prestigious position in a castle town. Over time, this surname could have been adopted by those living or emigrating from a castle town since it would already be associated with a high status.

The Buerckel surname is still prevalent in many German-speaking countries today. It is most popular in parts of Bavaria and Austria. It is also found among the German-speaking immigrants who settled in both the United States and Canada. As a result, those descended from this family usually retain a strong sense of loyalty to their German roots.

In sum, the name Buerckel has its roots in the concept of a castle watchman or leader, and is still popular among those of German descent to this day. The surname continues to remind all of its owners of their German heritage and loyalty.

Buerckel: Where does the name Buerckel come from?

The last name Buerckel is commonly found in parts of Europe, particularly in Germany. German records between 1811 and 1935 indicate that people bearing the Buerckel surname were recorded across the nation, from Baden-Württemberg in the south to Hamburg in the north. The surname became more concentrated in Bavaria, the largest and southernmost state, with some families using the spelling "Bürkel".

More recently, records show the surname in the United States with large concentrations in Paulding County, Ohio (which borders Indiana and Michigan); El Paso County, Colorado (which includes the city of Colorado Springs); and New Hanover County, North Carolina (the location of Wilmington).

Though Buerckel may not be the most common of surnames, there are still many families bearing the name in Europe and the United States today. Because of the large number of German immigrants who moved to the US in the 19th century, large numbers of those immigrant's descendants live there to this day and proudly carry on the surname.

Variations of the surname Buerckel

Buerckel is an Austro-Germanic family name with several variants and surnames derived from the same root. These include Bürkel, Bürckel, Bürkle, Bürttle, Buerkle, Buella, Büchel, Büchle and Buechel.

The name Buerckel is derived from the Old German word "bürgel" which means "little fort". It is thought to have originally been an occupational surname for someone who lived near a small fort or fortified town. The name may also be associated with the Latin term "burcella", meaning a small tower or watchtower.

In western Germany, the name is usually spelled as Bürkel. It is also common in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In Austria, the name is often spelt as Bürkle. It was originally a common name in circumscribed mountain areas in Austria. The spelling is also commonly seen in Switzerland, parts of Italy and in former Austro-Hungarian possessions.

In some areas in the United States, such as Wisconsin and Iowa, the surname has taken on various national accents including Buechel, Buerkle, Buetta and Buettl. These variants originated likely from immigrants to the US in the 1800s.

Most variants of the surname Buerckel are derived from this same German root and share the same meaning of a fortified settlement. The various spellings and forms reveal an interesting history of an ancient Germanic family.

Famous people with the name Buerckel

• Ryan Buerckel: college football coach
• Jamie Buerckel: American football player and coach
• Erich Buerckel: German jurist
• Hans Buerckel: former president of the German Football Association
• Don Buerckel: American secondary teacher and administrator
• Ann Buerckel: Broadway producer and Tony Award-winning director
• Robert Buerckel: American snowboarder
• Kenneth Buerckel: American artist and abstract painter
• Shelley Buerckel: academic, artist and poet
• Veronique Buerckel: contemporary French sculptor

Other surnames

Buerck