Herzer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The ancestral home of the Herzer family is in the German province of Bavaria. Herzer is a German nickname surname. Such names came from eke-names, or added names, that described their initial bearer through reference to a physical characteristic or other attribute. It is a name for a kindhearted or stalwart individual, and is derived from the German word herz, which means heart.

Early Origins of the Herzer family

The surname Herzer was first found in Bavaria, where this family made important contributions toward the development of this district from ancient times. Always prominent in social and political affairs, the family formed alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. Individual bearers of this name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include Martin Hercz, who lived in the Bohemian town of Iglau around the year 1383.

Early History of the Herzer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Herzer research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1803, 1835, 1888 and 1902 are included under the topic Early Herzer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Herzer 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 Herzer include Hertz, Hertze, Herttz, Herttze, Herz, Herze, Herzz, Herzze, Haertz, Haerz, Herts and many more.

Early Notables of the Herzer family

Prominent among members of the name Herzer in this period include Henri Herz (1803-1888), who was a German pianist and composer. A celebrated concert pianist, he also founded his...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Herzer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Herzer family

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 Herzer or a variant listed above: Hans Herts, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1738. Johannes Hertz came to Philadelphia in 1754; while M. Hertz landed in New Orleans in 1823. Christian Herz arrived in Philadelphia in 1834..

Contemporary Notables of the name Herzer (post 1700) +

Walter Henry "Wallie" Herzer (1885-1961), American composer of popular music, music publisher, and pianist
Anderson Bigode Herzer (1962-1982), born Sandra Mara Herzer, a Brazilian writer and poet