Surname Barkema - Meaning and Origin
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Barkema: What does the surname Barkema mean?
The last name Barkema is of Dutch origin. It is believed to be derived from the Dutch word “bark” meaning “birch”, making the name Barkema mean “from the birch tree”. It likely originated in the Netherlands, a region known for its abundance of birch trees.
In the long and vibrant history of the Netherlands, the Barkema family can be traced back to the 1600s in Amsterdam. In the last century, branches of the family have moved to the United States, Canada, and beyond, while maintaining the Dutch heritage.
The Barkema name continues to be shared by diverse individuals and families, all connected through a common ancestor and a shared love of family, community, and proud Dutch culture.
The heritage and legacy of the name Barkema is one of innovation, uncertainty, and pride for those who share it. Those who bear the name today know that it comes with a strong, resilient history rooted in birch, family, and community. It symbolizes the bravery and perseverance of a proud Dutch people, and the journey of a proud and devoted family.
Order DNA origin analysisBarkema: Where does the name Barkema come from?
The last name Barkema is currently most common in the Netherlands, where it originated. Today there are estimated to be over 6,000 Barkema’s living mainly in the Noord-Holland, Friesland, and Groningen provinces, accounting for 1.2 people out of every 100,000.
The Netherlands is not the only place where you might find the Barkema name today, as it has spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, the Barkema surname is most often found in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota, with smaller numbers in other states. Family members have also migrated to other parts of Europe, including Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
In addition, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa have populations of Barkema’s as well. This further demonstrates the reach of the Barkema family, which has established many branches over time.
The Barkema surname has a long and fascinating history in the Netherlands. The Barkema name was originally used to identify farmers who owned land in the area of the Netherlands that is now the province of Fryslân. It is thought that the surname was derived from the words 'Beukema' or 'barkema' (both meaning 'place of beech trees').
In the modern era, many Barkema family members are still farmers, but others work in a variety of fields and pursue a range of professions. No matter the location or profession, it's likely that where there is a Barkema, there is also a commitment to hard work and a strong family bond.
Variations of the surname Barkema
The Barkema surname originated in Europe and has many variants and spellings, including Barkama, Barkeme, Barkeman, Barkenme, and Barkenonen. The Barkema family can trace its roots through various countries in Europe.
In Holland, the spelling of the surname Barkema has been slightly modified, to become Barkman, Barkhuis or Barkus. In Denmark, the spelling changes to Barkim or Barkemme or Barking. In Norway, the surname has a variety of spellings, such as Berkema, Barkema, Bærkemer, Bærkenam, and Bærkemeister.
In Germany, the spelling of the surname is usually Barkeme, Barkemee, or Barkmeer. In Switzerland, the spelling Barkeman is common, while in France the surname is spelled Barkem or Barbem.
The surnames that are derived from the Barkema surname vary from country to country, but many of them can be linked to the original surname. For example, in Germany, the surnames Barkman, Bärkemeister, Barcer and Barkmeer can all be traced back to Barkema. In Poland, the surname is usually spelled as Barkema, Barkenmean, or Barkenmeister, while in Denmark, Barkeme and Barkemens are common spellings.
The Barkema family has had a long history in Europe, and its various spellings and surname variations reflect the changing geography of Europe. While the spellings and surnames may vary from country to country, the Barkema family is connected by their shared origins.
Famous people with the name Barkema
- Jake Barkema: professional soccer player who has played for teams in Major League Soccer, Sweden, and Denmark.
- Michael Barkema: Canadian country musician who has released several successful albums.
- Andrew Barkema: member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 12th District.
- André Barkema: Dutch professor of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University.
- Mark Barkema: former professional ice hockey player who spent time in the NHL and IHL.
- Wilco Barkema: Dutch professional football (soccer) player who is currently playing for Helmond Sport in the Dutch Eerste Divisie.
- Justin Barkema: professional American football player who has played in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe.
- Jim Barkema: American football player who was an offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1981 to 1987.
- Kelly Barkema: Canadian politician who has served in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan since 2011.
- Jelmer Barkema: Dutch professional football (soccer) player who is currently playing for VVV-Venlo in the Dutch Eredivisie.