What nationality is surname Benkart?

Question

My grandparents last name is Benkart. never new our nationality because they died.

Answer 1

Marsian...

Answer 2

I did a little bit of research and German is the closest I can find for you.

Answer 3

Not confirmed...but I am guessing it would be German or perhaps Norwegian.

Answer 4

Just for a survey, I normally check the 1880 census, since it is the first census giving both a persons place of birth.. and that of the parents.  The oldest Benkart that I located was John, born about 1817, and who said he (and wife) were born in Bavaria.

Basically, that would be part of Germany.  The one thing to be sure you understand is that this is not always a guarantee.  If John is your ancestor, it works.  You could easily be desc. from another Benkart who came to the US in 1895 from somewhere else.

I'll assume your grandfather was born prior to 1930, in which case, he is probably findable in the census for that year. Using the census, you would be amazed how quickly you can work back through your family. We have a number of people here who will do courtesy lookups in Ancestry.com (it isn't a free site), but you need to provide a name and approx. location.  One last thing to remember.. grandma is only named Benkart by marriage (true for all the ladies in your ancestry).  Her background could be anything, depending on where HER ancestor(s) immigrated from.

Answer 5

I am sorry, but I don't know.  However, you shouldremember that last name is not always a good indicator of ethnicity.  Sometimes people's name's change by marriage or adoption and you are not necessarily part of to that ethnicity.  Other times, a name is changed for personal reasons, like to blend into a society better after immigrating.