Erna Surname HistoryThe Erna family name first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria. After the 12th century, as hereditary surnames began to be adopted, names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Erna 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 Erna was given to someone who lived in Bavaria, where they have been associated with the tribal conflicts of the area since ancient times. Early Origins of the Erna familyThe surname Erna was first found in Bavaria, where the name Ehrne was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power. Early History of the Erna familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Erna research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1787 is included under the topic Early Erna History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Erna Spelling VariationsMany cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Erna include Ehrne, Ehrn, Ehrnne, Ehrnn, Eyrne, Eyrnne, Earne, Earnne, Ern and many more. Early Notables of the Erna familyMore information is included under the topic Early Erna Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The 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: Erna Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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