Show ContentsHarbig Surname History

The ancient and distinguished German surname Harbig is patronymic in origin, deriving from the name of the father of the original bearer. The early German personal name Herwig means "battle-worthy," and was made popular through the "Gudrun Lied," a Middle High German epic poem written between 1220 and 1250 which featured a character named Herwig, the king of Zealand, Denmark. The name was common under many spelling variations in several areas of medieval Germany, such as Silesia (Harbig), Saxony (Herbig), and Swabia (Herweger).

Early Origins of the Harbig family

The surname Harbig was first found in northern Germany, where the name is thought to have first emerged. The earliest documentation of the name dates back to 1285, when Herwich kolere was recorded to be living in Stralsund in 1285. The name was first recorded as a surname in 1385, borne by Teml Herwich of Budweis. The young Harbig family was instrumental during this formative period, figuring prominently in the country's early history and contributing greatly to the development of medieval German society.

Early History of the Harbig family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harbig research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1385, 1427, 1638, 1696, 1785, 1817, 1845, 1855, 1858, 1875 and 1914 are included under the topic Early Harbig History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Harbig Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Herwig, Harwig, Harbig, Herbig, Herwegh, Herbing, Herweg, Harweg, Herwich and many more.

Early Notables of the Harbig family

Notables of the time included

  • Theodor Peter Herweg (1638-1696), a well-known priest from Hamburg, Joseph Harbig (1785-1845), a Silesian priest and school inspector, Georg Herwegh (1817-1875), a famous German revolutionary poet, St...

Migration of the Harbig family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Jacob Herwick Jr. who emigrated from Württemburg to Pennsylvania in 1750; Hans Michael Herwig, who settled in Philadelphia in 1764; Konrad Herwich, a Hessian mercenary who settled in America after fighting in the Revolutionary War.



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