Bosshardt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The surname Bosshardt is derived from a Germanic personal name composed of the German elements "bos," which meant "audacious," and "hard," which meant "hardy" or "brave." Thus, the name no doubt originally referred to a person who was very tough or one who was inclined to fight. Some instances of the Bosshardt surname are derived from the personal name Burkhart, and the German word boese, which meant "naughty" and "tough."

Early Origins of the Bosshardt family

The surname Bosshardt was first found in Westphalia, where the name Bossart became noted for its many branches within the region, where each house acquired a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the Bossart family became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility.

Early History of the Bosshardt family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bosshardt research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1538, 1539 and 1746 are included under the topic Early Bosshardt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bosshardt 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 Bosshardt include Bossart, Bosart, Bosarte, Bossarte, Bossard, Bossardt, Bosard, Bosardt, Bossarde, Bosarde and many more.

Early Notables of the Bosshardt family

Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bosshardt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bosshardt migration to the United States +

Many Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of 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 settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them:

Bosshardt Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Margreth Bosshardt, who landed in Carolina in 1734 1
Andreas Bosshardt, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1747 1

Citations +

Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)