Surname Burkholder - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling Ancestral Tapestry: The Journey of the 'Burkholder' Surname Through the iGENEA DNA Test
Following an iGENEA DNA test, I've unveiled fascinating details about the cultural and historical origin of my surname 'Burkholder'. Tracing back its Swiss and German roots, the connection to the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century, and its journey to North America, has led to a phenomenal exploration of self, identity, and a testament to my forebears' resilience and spirit.
B. Burkholder
read moreBurkholder: What does the surname Burkholder mean?
The last name Burkholder is an anglicized form of the German surname Burkhardt or Burkhard, derived from an old Germanic personal name made up of elements meaning “protection” and “brave” or “hardy”. Variants of the name include Burkart, Burgchardt, and Burkhardt.
Originally, the Burkholder name may have been used to refer to someone who lived near or was in charge of a fortress. Being in charge of a fortress was seen as a position of strength and trust, and someone with this last name may have been a prominent and respected member of society who had responsibilities for keeping the fortress safe.
Today, the name Burkholder is still common in some parts of Germany and is particularly popular in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It is also common in the United States, with the highest concentrations in Pennsylvania, Kansas, Iowa, and Ohio. The name usually refers to someone of German descent who likely came to the U.S. from Germany sometime in the 19th and/or 20th centuries.
Regardless of the origin of the name or the region it is found, it is likely that those with the last name of Burkholder have a connection with strength, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to protecting those that need it.
Order DNA origin analysisBurkholder: Where does the name Burkholder come from?
The last name Burkholder is most commonly found in the United States and is primarily linked to people of German descent. It is most commonly associated with the American Mid-West region including states such as Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana.
The Burkholder surname is derived from an old German personal name, Burgolt or Burgoltz. It was most likely adopted by a person who held a position as a keeper or guard of a fortification or a fortified village or roost. The name means "defender of the town" or "keeper of the stronghold".
Today, you can find the Burkholder name all over the United States, but mostly concentrated in the mid-western states. People bearing this name are most often of German Catholic or Mennonite descent and proud of their heritage. They may be employed in various professional and labor industries such as health care, engineering, retail, and manufacturing.
The Burkholder name is believed to be one of the most common surnames in the United States. It is estimated that there are nearly 500,000 people bearing the Burkholder name in the US. People with this surname tend to be active in their local churches and religious organizations. They are also involved in politics, particularly in local and state elections.
The Burkholder name has been passed down through generations with the same enthusiasm and respect for tradition, family, and faith. It is a name rich in history and a reminder of the hardworking German heritage of many Americans today.
Variations of the surname Burkholder
The surname Burkholder is an anglicized version of the German family name “Burkhardt”. The variants, spellings, and alternate surnames related to this name include:
Burchardt – German form of Burkhardt.
Burcher – English variant of the Burkhards.
Burkart – Comes from the German lowlands.
Burkert – An Eastern Bavarian version of the name.
Berch – German diminutive of Burkhardt.
Berke – German version meaning “birch tree”.
Bercken – Dutch version of the name.
Bercher – English variant of the Burkhards.
Beirkett – English variant of the Burkhards.
Berckholder – Dutch version of the name.
Burckart – Dutch version of the name.
Burkhardt – German origin of the surname.
Burkholtz – German hyphenated variant of the name.
Berchtholt – German variant of the name.
Berkeholt – Dutch variant of the name.
Berchold – German version of the name.
Berckhol – German version of the name.
Burcham – English variant of the Burkhards.
Berghan – Scottish version of the name, which means “dweller on the birch-filled slope.”
Burkhalter – German version of the surname.
Berchtold – Austrian version of the name.
Burkholz – German and Danish version of the name.
Bercht – German version of the name.
Birkholz – German version of the name.
Birkhold – German version of the name.
Berckhiel – Dutch version of the name.
Birkett – English version of the name.
Burchad – Spanish version of the name.
Burghard – Dutch version of the name.
Famous people with the name Burkholder
- Jenna Burkholder: American singer-songwriter, recording artist, and philanthropist
- Bob Burkholder: Retired Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher
- Gary Burkholder: Retired American basketball player
- Amy Burkholder: Canadian anti-bullying activist
- Harvey Burkholder: Canadian soil scientist and research leader
- J. Menno Burkholder: Canadian professor and dean of Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University
- Sol Burkholder: Canadian-born American car designer
- William G Burkholder: American professor of music
- Rover Burkholder: Retired American ice hockey player
- Lindsey Burkholder: American professional golfer