Surname Marcker - Meaning and Origin
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Marcker: What does the surname Marcker mean?
The last name Marcker is of German origin, and it is thought to be derived from the medieval given name Markwart. This name is composed of the Germanic elements "marha", meaning ‘horse’ and ‘wart’, meaning ‘guard’. Thus, the name would have originally been given to those with horse-guarding duties. Over time, it is likely that the name may have referred to those who lived near a guard standing on a hill or landmark.
The last name Marcker is not all that common in Germany today. However, it is believed that Marckers lived in the country long before the 17th century, living mainly in the Rhineland Palatinate region and Westphalia. From this region, families with this surname emigrated to the United States, and it is now most commonly found in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.
Marcker is still a relatively uncommon name in America today; however, it is possible to trace the family lines of those who carry the name by means of genealogical research. This is an excellent way to find information about your family history and gain an understanding of the Marcker name, from its origin in the Rhineland centuries ago to the present day.
Order DNA origin analysisMarcker: Where does the name Marcker come from?
The last name Marcker is believed to be most commonly found in areas of Germany, where it is said to originate. It is particularly prevalent in the Western states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. There is evidence of Marcker families being found in various records dating back to the 16th century.
The spelling and pronunciation of Marcker has changed over the years; while the original spelling was Mercker, which later became Mercker or Merscher, variations such as Macar, Marker, and Markeer can also be found in records of the past.
It is also possible to find the name Marcker in other countries including Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and France. More recently, Marcker family members have been identified in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
The Marcker name is most likely to be encountered today in its German form, but people with the name can also be found in other regions and countries. It is likely that over time, the name Marcker will continue to evolve and spread further throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Marcker
The surname Marcker is of German origin. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include: Marckar, Marckard, Marckart, Marckerd, Marckerdt, Marckeret, Marckerett, Marckert, Marckertt, Markard, Markardt, Markart, Markert, Markkard, and Markkert.
Marcker is derived from the pre-7th century German word “marker” and was originally used to describe people who lived near boundaries. It was also used to refer to individuals who worked in professions such as border guards and enclosers. Over time, these professions became part of larger feudal systems, and the Marcker surname was carried by those people working as bailiffs, magistrates, and other functionaries.
The earliest attestations of Marcker as a family name come from Germany in 1276, when records reveal one Jacob Marcker of Gera-Harzburg. In 1537, Hans Jörg Marcker of Danzig was recorded as a witness in a court deposition. In 1588, the parents of Abel Marcker of Siebenglanz were recorded in a baptismal register. All three of these records indicate the same German origin of the Marcker surname.
Over time, the Marcker surname spread to other parts of Europe, particularly to France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Russia, England, and Scandinavia. Today, variations on the Marcker surname can be found in many countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Marcker
- Reinhold Marcker: German-born Catholic cardinal who was a priest and Bishop of the Diocese of Mainz from 1966 to 1989.
- Artur Marcker: German historian and writer who was active during the Nazi era. He was a professor of Germanic prehistory and medieval history.
- Wilhelm Marcker: German politician who served as a member of the Reichstag from 1933 to 1945. He was a member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP).
- Martin Marcker: German sculptor who was active in the late 19th and early 20th century. He is best known for his large-scale figures and portrait busts.
- Karl Marcker: 19th century German historian who wrote on the history of Austria. His writings focused on the events leading up to the Thirty Years' War.
- Gustav Marcker: German literary critic and philosopher who was an influential figure in German literary circles during the 19th century. He was a major contributor to the Neue Rundschau magazine.
- Kurt Marcker: German field marshal who served as the commander-in-chief of the German air force during World War II. He was one of the main figures responsible for Germany's Luftwaffe strategy.