Bensberg History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The name Bensberg comes from the German region of Westphalia. The tradition of adopting hereditary surnames came to Germany after the 12th century, and the names of places where people lived were a primary source. Many local names carry the prefix "von", meaning "of" or "from," which was originally an indicator of land ownership, and is sometimes a mark of nobility. The Bensberg family originally lived in any of the numerous villages in the duchy of Berg. The last portion of the name Bensberg is derived from the German word burc, and/or the word burg, which both refer to a fortified town.

Early Origins of the Bensberg family

The surname Bensberg was first found in the duchy of Berg, where the family emerged in mediaeval times as one of the notable families of the region. Chronicles first mention the name, which was taken from a village in the duchy of Berg, in the year 1222. From the 13th century the surname was identified with the great social and economic evolution which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development of the nation.

Early History of the Bensberg family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bensberg research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1278 and 1396 are included under the topic Early Bensberg History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bensberg Spelling Variations

In 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 Bensberg include Bennesberg, Bensberg, Bensburg, Bensburne, Benesberg, Bensburne, Bennsberg, Bennesbergh, Bennesberger, Bennesburg, Bennesburger, Bensburg, Bensburger, Benesberger, Bennsberger, Bennsburg and many more.

Early Notables of the Bensberg family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bensberg Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bensberg migration to the United States +

For many Germans, emigration to North America was an inviting alternative to the trials of life in the old country. From the mid-17th into the present century, thousands of Germans migrated across the Atlantic. They capitalized on the chance to escape poverty and persecution, and to own their own land. After 1650, Germans settled throughout the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also landed in Canada, settling in Ontario or father west on the rich land of the prairies. Among them:

Bensberg Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Friederich CH Bensberg, who arrived in New York in 1849