Surname Burkard - Meaning and Origin

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After delving into my DNA via the iGENEA test, I discovered an illustrious history behind my surname, Burkard, rooted in Germanic lineage. This test gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of my lineage and the migration patterns of my ancient ancestors. It connected me personally to captivating points in history.

Q. Burkard

Burkard: What does the surname Burkard mean?

The last name Burkard is of German origin and is roughly translated to mean ‘protector of the castle’. It is believed to have derived in medieval times, from the German words burc, meaning castle, and hard, meaning hardy or strong. The name was likely given to a family who had an important role in defending a castle.

In modern times, Burkard is a relatively uncommon name. It can be found through out Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It has spread to other parts of the world through German immigration, settling in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The associated coat of arms features three stars, each one representing a good spirit. The motto on the shield reads “Courage and Faith” which further emphasizes the idea of a family being a guardian of the castle. During the Middle Ages, families like the Burkhards helped to shape the towns and villages by defending them from attack and enforcing law and order.

The Burkard family is known for their strength and loyalty, which is a testament to the meaning of their name. They are seen to be brave and noble-minded people, with a responsibility to protect those in need. A rich history and sense of pride passed down through generations still remain today. The Burkard family name and its meaning represent a noble heritage and a sense of honor.

Burkard: Where does the name Burkard come from?

The last name Burkard is most commonly found in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, although there are occurrences in other countries as well, such as the United States and Canada. In Austria, it is found in the states of Vienna and Lower Austria, as well as in Tyrol. In Switzerland, it most often appears in the cantons of Zurich, Basel-Stadt, Bern, and Solothurn. In Germany, it is most often found in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatine.

Burkard has likely been an Austrian-Swiss name for many centuries due to its close proximity to these countries. For example, the name first appears in records in the early 1500s with a Johannes Burkard who became bishop of Passau in 1510. The first recorded Burkard in Switzerland appeared in 1586 in Wutöschingen as Balthazar Burcard, likely a descendant of the Austrian family. By 1917, over thirty-six known branches of Burkards were found throughout Switzerland and over sixty branches found in Germany.

In the United States, Burkard is much less common, but still appears in the records. The first American origin of the name appears in the mid-1800s when a John Burkard moved to New York from Germany. Since then, the name has been spread throughout the country, but is still relatively rare.

The last name Burkard today is still most commonly found in Austrian, Swiss, and German-speaking countries. Although it can be found elsewhere, such as the United States and Canada, it is still fairly uncommon. Therefore, if you happen to run into another Burkard, chances are that they are related to you genetically or have some other Austrian-Swiss-German connection.

Variations of the surname Burkard

The surname Burkard is of German origin and has a variety of spellings due to the way the name is pronounced. The most common spellings of Burkard are Burghard, Burghardt, Burgard, Burgardt, Burger, Burgert, and Burkhardt. While the spelling of the surname may differ, its origin remains the same.

The surname Burkard is believed to have derived from the German word “burg” which means fortress. This is why many of the spellings of Burkard contain the letter ‘b’ at the beginning. It is assumed that the surname was a toponymic surname, given to people who lived in or near a fortress.

Variants of this surname can be found in countries all over the world. In the United States, Burkard is often spelled Burger or Burgert. In England, it can be spelt Burghardt or Burgardt. In Canada, the surname is usually spelt Burkhardt.

The variants of the surname Burkard also change depending on other cultures. For example, the surname would be spelt Bergert or Berghart in specific parts of Germany. In some areas of France, the surname would also be spelt Bergert or Berghart.

The surname Burkard has a variety of different spellings all over the world. This is due to the original pronunciation and various cultural influences that have taken place across centuries. Despite different spelling, the origin of the surname remains the same.

Famous people with the name Burkard

• Paul Burkard: Jazz musician and composer.
• J.D. Burkard: Forest engineer and conservationist.
• Hans Burkard: German architectural engineer.
• Friedrich Burkard: Swiss engineer and constructor.
• Richard Burkard: Thrash metal guitarist.
• Lotte Burkard: German Politician.
• Gary Burkard: American actor.
• Jimmie Burkard: Singer and songwriter.
• Karl-Heinz Burkard: French lawyer and politician.
• Tommie Burkard: Breakdancer and performance artist.
• Hermann Burkard: German trade unionist.
• Lutz Burkard: German Internist and Pharmacologist.
• Marijke Burkard: Dutch artist.
• Ernst Burkard: German orthopedic surgeon.
• Esko Burkard: Swedish artist.
• Hod Burkard: American short story writer.
• Karol Burkard: American musician.
• Albrecht Burkard: German historian.
• Bo Burkard: Take-off artist.
• Henry Burkard: American lawyer.

Other surnames

BurkardsmaierBurkardtBurkartBurkarthBurkartsmaier