Balbach History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe Balbach surname first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria, some time after the 12th century, when hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules, and names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Balbach is a local surname. Originally denoting the proprietorship of an estate or influence within a village, the German preposition von, which means from or of, used with local names, was taken as a mark of aristocracy. The surname Balbach was given to someone who lived in the village of Balbach in Franconia. Originally, the bearers of this surname were concentrated in Franconia and Bavaria, however, the Balbach family rapidly expanded into other parts of Germany, branching into numerous autonomous houses. Early Origins of the Balbach familyThe surname Balbach was first found in Franconia, where the name became noted for its many branches with the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the family became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into a most influential family. The family name may derive from, or have lent itself to, the village of Balbach in Franconia. Early History of the Balbach familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balbach research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1694 is included under the topic Early Balbach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Balbach Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Balbach include Balbach, Balback, Ballbach, Balbache, Ballbache, Bahlbach and many more. Early Notables of the Balbach familyMore information is included under the topic Early Balbach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: Balbach Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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