| ![Show Contents]() Benns History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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 Germany Medieval Austria is the ancient homeland of the Benns family. Austria, which was originally home to a Celtic people, was conquered by the Roman Empire in about 15 BC Following the fall of Rome, Austria was repeatedly invaded by barbarian tribes, such as the Vandals, Visigoths, and Huns, who swept in from the east. During the 5th and 6th centuries, the Alemanni, Avars and Slavs settled Austria. The Avars were defeated in 785 by the Frankish Emperor Charlemagne, who set up the East Mark, which later became known as the Österreich. Austria was ruled by the Babenburger dynasty until 1278, when they were succeeded by the Hapsburg dynasty, which ruled Austria until the 20th century. Early Origins of the Benns familyThe surname Benns was first found in Austria, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Early History of the Benns familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benns research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1766 and 1839 are included under the topic Early Benns History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Benns Spelling VariationsMany cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Benns include Benz, Benns, Bennze, Benze, Bennse, Bense, Bensz and others. Early Notables of the Benns familyAnother 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Benns Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Benns familyAustria was made a republic after the First World War. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken up by the Treaty of Versailles and many of its people found themselves in the new nation of Czechoslovakia. Many other Austrians and expatriate Austrians made their way to North America in the 20th century. Most landed in Philadelphia, later continuing on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Some Austrian settlers also went to western Canada and Ontario. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Benns or a variant listed above: Johann David Bennz, who came to Philadelphia in 1772; as did Charles Benz in 1853; Johanes Benz arrived in Philadelphia in 1732; Mathias Benz settled in Philadelphia in 1880.
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