Show ContentsBerl Surname History

The ancient roots of the Berl family are found in the German state of Bavaria. The Berl surname, was a local name, for 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 family

The 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 family

This 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 Variations

One 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 family

More 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 family

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Berl surname or a spelling variation of the name include: 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


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 25) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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