The earliest bearer of the name may have taken it from the town of
Ekeren, which was also referred to in 1167 as
Hecerna. The oldest known ancestor is Jakob van Heker, who died in 1440. The family is split into many branches (
van Brandsenburg, van Kell, van Molecaten). The Heeckerens have the same coat of arms as the
Rechteren family. Members carry the title of
baron. ==Famous members==