Surname Perkuhn - Meaning and Origin

Perkuhn: What does the surname Perkuhn mean?

The last name Perkuhn is an occupational name from German origin. It derives from the Middle High German term perkünst, meaning a person who was an artist or craftsman. The occupational nature of the name suggests that it was likely carried by someone whose role in society was to craft items such as tools, armaments, and utilitarian objects.

In the Middle Ages, the name was used to refer to a guild master, or someone who held a leadership role over a guild of craftsmen. It could also have referred to a maker of luxury clothing, tableware, or musical instruments. This suggests that someone today carrying the Perkuhn name likely has some ancestral connection to a master craftsman in the German-speaking world.

The name Perkuhn is a relatively rare one and it is believed that the families who carry it are limited mostly to a small area of Germany. It is reported that the largest population of people with the name could be found in North and South Rhine-Westphalia. This part of Germany is known for its centuries-old craftsmanship traditions, which if an individual with the Perkuhn name were to trace their heritage, it is likely that these traditions were part of their family history.

The name Perkuhn also appears to have roots further east, as it can also be found in the Czecho-Slovakian region among various immigrants from Germany and the surrounding countries. This further supports the theory that the craftsmanship of the family was likely passed down through generations.

The surname Perkuhn likely carries a history of craftsmanship in which a person can trace his or her ancestors or past generations of artisans. In modern times, a bearer of the Perkuhn name is likely to be proud of their heritage and values the traditions of craftsmanship their ancestors passed down.

Perkuhn: Where does the name Perkuhn come from?

The last name Perkuhn is most commonly found in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is estimated that there are roughly 5,000 people with the last name Perkuhn across those countries.

The name Perkuhn is likely of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word “perke,” which means pear tree. This suggests that the family first took the name from a nearby pear tree.

In the 16th century, the Perkuhns of Austria may have merged with the Goldschmidts of Bavaria. These families shared similar names, suggesting a possible connection from the old times. Perkuhns may have also lived in northern Italy during the Middle Ages; records of German traders in the region have been discovered.

Today, the Perkuhn family is dispersed across Europe. Many are believed to be of the same family, but due to a lack of records, this cannot be confirmed. The family is likely to have become connected over the years as they moved to different locations. For example, some Perkuhns in Austria have family ties to Germany.

The last name Perkuhn may also be found in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, though it is far less common than in Europe. A few records have shown that the Perkuhns may have settle in the Midwest as far back as the 1800s, though no reliable records exist. As a result, the US population of Perkuhns is difficult to quantify.

Variations of the surname Perkuhn

The surname Perkuhn is of Old Germanic origin, and is believed to be derived from the Middle Low German form of the name "Berchun," which has its roots in the Old Germanic word 'berht' meaning "bright." This surname is most commonly found in German-speaking countries and other countries of Northern Europe.

Variations of the surname Perkuhn include Berkhun, Perkhun, Perkhuhn, and Perchon, as well as various spellings of these variants, such as Parchun and Perkhon. Berchon, Berkon, Berkhon, and Perken are additional surname spellings related to the name Perkuhn, and they may also be found in some record collections.

Perkuhn is also closely related to a number of other surnames of Germanic origin, including Berchmann, Perkens, Perkuhns, Perkons, Perkuhls, Perks, and Perksons. Additionally, families bearing the surname Perkuhn may have formerly used the Middle High German spelling "Perchen."

Overall, the surname Perkuhn has a long, storied history in the European region and continues to be passed on from one generation to the next since its earliest appearance. With such a wide range of variants, spellings, and related surnames, it is a nice reminder of past family ties and of the foundation of the present day family.

Famous people with the name Perkuhn

• Brianna Perkuhn, American professional soccer player
• Doug Perkuhn, American former Major League Baseball catcher
• Jonathan Perkuhn, American entrepreneur, investor, and author
• Lisa Perkuhn, American television actress
• Said Perkuhn, former Zilselian sculptor
• Steve Perkuhn, American editorial cartoonist
• Beate Perkuhn, German film actress
• Andy Perkuhn, German painter
• Bjoern Perkuhn, German politician
• Carl Perkuhn, German media activist

Other surnames

Perkun