Surname Burkardt - Meaning and Origin
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Burkardt: What does the surname Burkardt mean?
The last name Burkardt is of German origin and is derived from the Middle German terms “burc” or “burk” which mean “fortress” and “hard” which means “strong”. Taken together, these terms literally mean “strong fortress” and the name is thought to be descriptive for individuals who had strong fortresses or castles. It is also possible that the name was a nickname for people who protected a fortress or castle.
The surname was first found in medieval Bavaria and Franconia regions of the former German Empire from the 9th century. In addition to being found throughout Bavaria, it was also found in places such as Lorraine, Saxony, Westphalia and Hungary.
The name Burkardt has been popular throughout the years and can be found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and even in America. There are various branches of the Burkardt family in the US, all of whom are, in some way, descended from Jacob Burkardt of Ferentz, Germany who immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1738.
In conclusion, the surname Burkardt has a long history that originates from Germany and likely means “strong fortress.” The name has been found in multiple countries and continues to be popular today.
Order DNA origin analysisBurkardt: Where does the name Burkardt come from?
The last name Burkardt is today most commonly found in Germany, particularly the German speaking regions of Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein, as well as in Luxembourg. It is also commonly found in smaller populations in the United States, Canada, and the UK. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the most populous counties for the Burkardt surname were located in Pennsylvania (1,022), Ohio (1,007), and New Jersey (670).
The name Burkardt is derived from an old Germanic name for a distinguished family from the district of Braunschweig in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is thought to be derived from the old germanic word "burg", meaning fortress or fortification. It likely began to be used in the area during the late Middle Ages, when members of the gentry adopted surnames derived from their place of residence.
The Burkardt name has become greatly dispersed over the centuries. As more and more of the population has chosen to move to different countries, the name has spread all over the world. While the majority of people who share the last name might be found in Germany, one can come across the name in various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Burkardt
The surname Burkardt has various forms of spelling, variants, and alternate surnames.
Burkardt is the most standard form, and is the most widely spread spelling across the world. Other spellings are Burkhardt, Burkhard, Burkhardts, Burkhardet, and Burkhart.
Burkardts is also a variant of the surname, mainly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. This form is believed to be the eldest, stemming from a Germanic root, “berahard”, which means ‘strong and brave’.
Due to the variations in spelling found among the Burkardt family, some people may have surnames are derived from the same root, yet have evolved over time and become alternate names. The Bunke, Burkhart, Burchard, Berkhart, Berkhards, and Pabich surnames may have derived from a shared Germanic ancestor of Burkardt.
Additionally, there are some localized variations of the surname from different areas of Germany. For instance, Burkhardt may become Behrkert in specific regions.
In general, the spelling Burkardt is the most common form and is predominant in Europe, the Americas, and other outside areas. However, spelling of the surname likely varies by country and region, which makes it difficult to accurately trace one’s ancestry from the Burkardt family.
Famous people with the name Burkardt
- Felipe Burkardt: Brazilian actor best known for appearing in the telenovela Mulheres Apaixonadas (2003).
- Paulo Burke Leite: Brazilian footballer who currently plays for Paraná Clube.
- Jake Burkardt: American professional basketball player currently playing for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.
- Christian Burkardt: Epigonal painter known for his naturalistic landscapes.
- Martin Burkardt: German-born architect and designer.
- Christian Burkardt: German geographer, landscape architect and urban planner.
- Jon Burkardt: American mathematician and computer scientist known for his work in the development of numerical methods for solving physical problems.
- Dianna Burkhardt: American poet and author.
- John Burkardt: American writer and professor whose works mainly focus on historical fiction.
- Ron Burkardt: American weightlifter and powerlifter who competed in the 1984 Olympics.