Burckhalter
Burckhalter is my maiden name. I know very little about its origins. Many people who speak German get very excited at hearing the name...they say that they can translate it, and then end up almost completely muddled. I think it must not translate very well. My paternal grandfather has said something about our ancestors being German tax collectors who were run out of the country during some kind of a civil revolt. I know no more than that. Any help and/or helpful emails would be appreciated.
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Burkhalter = Burghalter. This is simply a German word. It consists of 'Burg', castle plus 'Halter', holder. The only reason it's not in the dictionary is that it has become obsolete. Nobody 'holds' a castle anymore these days (in the name of a king).
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