Surname Backner - Meaning and Origin
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Backner: What does the surname Backner mean?
The last name Backner is a German surname of Germanic origin. It is derived from the personal name "Bachar", which is derived from the Germanic element "bacc" meaning “birch”. The name was likely derived from a person or family who lived near birch trees, or a person who was known to have a particular affinity for birch trees.
The surname Backner is considered to be an occupational name as well, typically found among people who were bakers. This suggests that members of the Backner family may have been prominent bakers in their respective communities.
It is also possible that the name Backner originated as a habitational name, denoting a person or family from a place where birches grew. Therefore, the name is likely topographic in origin, having been given to those who lived near a prominent birch tree or grove.
It is possible that people bearing the Backner surname, or their ancestors, lived in the Germanic region for generations, and the name was handed down through the years. The name may have then spread to other nations and continents as people bearing the name moved away from their homeland and into new places.
Given its origin and history behind it, the last name Backner is associated with strength, endurance and highly-valued skill sets. The people who have the name can be proud to have ties to Germanic history, as well as sharing an occupational name that has brought about much success.
Order DNA origin analysisBackner: Where does the name Backner come from?
The surname Backner is thought to originate from the area of Franconia, located in the south of Germany and the northern part of Bavaria. The name Backner is most common in Germany today, primarily in the states of Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt. The name is also common in Austria, and Switzerland, as well as countries in which German expatriates and immigrants have settled, such as the United States, Canada, and South Africa.
The name Backner is thought to have derived from the Middle High German name Bürke, which means ‘shield’. This is likely due to it being a hereditary occupational name of an armorer or shield maker. It is thought to have also been an honorary name given to those of high social rank in the middle ages.
The surname is not necessarily exclusive to any particular area, as it could be found anywhere in Germany or other countries with a strong German heritage. However, due to its associations with the Franconian region and the states of Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt, these are the areas most likely to have the highest concentration of Backner families today.
Variations of the surname Backner
The surname Backner is a German and Jewish surname that has many variants and spellings, such as Bakner, Beckner, Beckeren, Becker, Beckers, Bechern, Backers, Bakern, Bakken, Bacher, Bokner, and Bakman.
The surname Backner originated from Germany's densely populated Rhineland region. It is derived from the German word "backe," meaning "baker." This surname was likely the occupational name for a baker or as an occupational nickname, given to someone who was perceived to be the baker or seller of bread or cakes.
The surname Backner can also have Jewish origins. Many Jewish people had the name "Beck" or "Bock," which suggests that it was adopted in a German-speaking area of Eastern Europe. This name is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word for father, which was traditionally used to denote a position of high status.
The variations and spellings of the surname Backner extend beyond Germany and Eastern Europe. In North America, the spelling of the surname is often Anglicized and seen as Backer or Bockner, while in the United Kingdom, it can be seen as Bakner or Baken. Additionally, due to changing spelling conventions, the surname Backner sometimes develops difficult-to-trace variations, such as Baeckere, Beekner, Balkner, Bakern, and Bakman.
Famous people with the name Backner
- David Backner, an American professional basketball player who was a member of the Los Angeles Clippers during the 1981-82 season.
- Evy Backner, a renowned fashion designer from Sweden active during the 1960s and 70s.
- Richard Backner, a Swiss scholar who wrote extensively about religious and philosophical subjects in the 19th Century.
- Adolf Backner, a German historian and author whose works focused on the history of German princes and the Holy Roman Empire in the 17th Century.
- Johann Friedrich Backner, an Austrian composer who wrote chamber, oratorical and symphony music in the late Romantic period.
- William Backner, an American marine biologist and oceanographer during the early 20th Century who wrote extensively about marine habitats.
- Philip Backner, a British doctor who was instrumental in the founding of child welfare in the 19th Century.
- Arnold Backner, a Swedish composer and organist active during the Baroque period.
- Franz Backner, an Austrian diplomat active during the Invasion of Austria in 1938.
- Hans Backner, a Danish businessman who founded one of the largest Danish companies in the 1950s.