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![Show Contents]() Berl History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The Berl 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 Berl 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 Berl was given to someone who lived in Bavaria, where the family possessed vast estates and resided in an elegant feudal manor. During the Middle Ages, the Berl family became a part of the landed aristocracy and wielded considerable prestige and influence in the region. The Berl family expanded into other parts of the German territories after the 16th century. Following the general pattern of great European migration, and specific interests in military, political and religious occupations, bearers of the name relocated and prospered in numerous different regions on the European continent. The family became a prominent contributor to the development of ancient Bavarian towns such as Rothenburg. Early Origins of the Berl familyThe surname Berl was first found in Bavaria, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the towns such as Rothenburg from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. Early History of the Berl familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berl research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Berl History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Berl 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 Berl include Berl, Berle, Berler, Behrle, Behrli, Berlere and many more. Early Notables of the Berl familyMore information is included under the topic Early Berl Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Berl familyThe 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: Jan Berler, who came to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1795; and Erasmus Behrle came to the same city in 1865.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Berl (post 1700) | + |
- Emmanuel Berl (1892-1976), French journalist, historian and essayist
- Berl Locker (1887-1972), Zionist activist and Israeli politician
- Berl Boyd (b. 1896), American Democratic Party politician, Member of Kentucky State House of Representatives, 1922 1
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