Barnekow is first mentioned in 1307, when Ulrik Barnekow is witness to a treaty between the King of Denmark Erik Menved and Henrik of Mecklenburg.
Earlier references are found (familysearch.org) of Alvericus de BERNEKOWE born in Barnekow, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany in about 1186. Ulrich von Barnekow above, was the son of Hinricus de BARNEKOWE, who was the son of Alvericus de BERNEKOWE.
A German noble line exists as well.
Barnekow has Wendish etymology. "Baran" for ram, "ek" for dimunitive form, and "ow" referring to a place.
The whole family-line features an extensive number of personalities, including but not limited to;