Show ContentsBernhold Surname History

Bavaria, Germany is the ancestral home of the Bernhold family. The Bernhold surname evolved as a local name. It is a name for a family that lived in Franconia. The Bernhold family emerged as a notable family in Bavaria in the Middle Ages and became noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. During this time, when Europe was characterized by feudalism, chivalry, and knighthood, heroic battles over power and prestige were fought between the noble families. In an age of rapidly changing political and religious alliances, the Bernhold declared their loyalty to many different nobles and princes who sought their support in the conflicts of the day. Consequently, the Bernhold family made a vital contribution to the ancient German traditions of military initiation, legality, and chivalry.

Early Origins of the Bernhold family

The surname Bernhold was first found in Franconia, 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 Bernhold family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bernhold research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the year 1742 is included under the topic Early Bernhold History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bernhold 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 Bernhold include Bernhold, Bernholdt, Bernholde, Bernholt, Bernehold, Berneholdt, Berneholt, Baernhold, Baernholdt, Baerenholdt, Baerenhold, Barenhold and many more.

Early Notables of the Bernhold family

More information is included under the topic Early Bernhold Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Bernhold migration to the United States +

Thousands of German settlers came to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. The hardships of the long voyage were balanced by the opportunity to escape poverty and religious persecution. The descendents of these settlers still populate the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also live in Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Bernhold or a variant listed above:

Bernhold Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Johan Bernhold, who settled in Maryland in 1772
Bernhold Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Anton Bernhold, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1860


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