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![Show Contents]() Arenstorff Surname History
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The German surname Arenstorff emerged in the lands that formed the powerful German state of Prussia, which at one time was an immense German territory that stretched from France and the Low Countries to the Baltic sea and Poland. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the German territories were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. West Prussia, where the distinguished surname Arenstorff was born, was nestled between Brandenburg and East Prussia on the Vistula River. It is famous for its ancient cities, such as Danzig, which is renowned for its culture and fine displays ofRenaissance art and architecture. Early Origins of the Arenstorff familyThe surname Arenstorff was first found in the Mark region of Germany, where the family contributed to the prosperity of the area. Many nobles and princes of early history sought the family's influence in their struggle for political power and status within the region. The family founded numerous branches, many of which acquired manors and estates in surrounding regions. The ancestral manor and estate, built in the early 13th century, was called "Ahrensdorf" and was located in the Templiner region of the Uckermark, north of Berlin. Early History of the Arenstorff familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Arenstorff research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1790 is included under the topic Early Arenstorff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Arenstorff Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Arenstorff include Arenstorf, Ahrenstorf, Arenstorph, Arenstorfe, Arenstorphe, Arenstorff, Arenstorffe, Arnstorph, Ahrensdorf, Arensdorf and many more. Early Notables of the Arenstorff familyNotable figures of the time with the name Arenstorff were - Friedrich von Arenstorff, a distinguished family member who played a prominent role in acquiring extensive estates for the family throughout Denmark
Migration of the Arenstorff familySince medieval times, the state of Prussia has played an important part in the history of Germany. The state's military powers were historically very strong, and endured until after the Second World War, when the territory was broken up and divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. A spurt of migration followed, with some Prussians going elsewhere in Europe and many others crossing the ocean to North America. Most entered the United States through Philadelphia. Some remained there, while more moved on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others traveled to Canada and settled Ontario and the prairie provinces. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Arenstorff or a variant listed above: Philip Heinrich Ahrendorf, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1753 at the age of 38.
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