Show ContentsPlatter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Platter. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of barbarian tribes. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known in Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Platter family.

Early Origins of the Platter family

The surname Platter was first found in Brandenburg, where the name was an integral part of a feudal society which would shape modern European history. Many prominent branches of the family would strive to make this name renowned as they contributed to the social, economic and political affairs of the region. Chronicles claim two different origins for this name. Some sources suggest that the origin is found in the mediaeval German word for the maker of breast plates for armor. This explanation is supported by the knight Otto cum Plata ("breast plate",) who lived at Ruegen around 1255. Other sources claim the name stems from the German word for "plateau." The famous Swiss humanist, Thomas Platter (1499-1582) wrote that "The Platters took their name from a house built upon a broad cliff edge."

Early History of the Platter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Platter research. Another 269 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1190, 1536, 1563, 1565, 1574, 1604, 1614, 1628, 1669, 1796 and 1835 are included under the topic Early Platter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Platter 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 Platter include Plathner, Plath, Plathe, Plather, Plate, Plat, Plater, Platt, Platter, Platten, Platen, Platener, Platner, Plattener, Pletener, Plettener, Plaettner, Plaetner, Plaeth, Plett, Pletter, Pletten, Pleten, Pleter, Plettner, Blate, Blatte, Blatten and many more.

Early Notables of the Platter family

Notable figures of the time with the name Platter were

  • Thomas Platter, who was a prominent humanist from Basel...
  • His elder son Felix Platter (1536-1614) was professor of medicine at Basel, while his younger son Thomas Platter (1574-1628) was a distinguished physician...


United States Platter migration to the United States +

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Platter were

Platter Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Harry Platter, aged 20, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Adriatic" from Southampton, England [1]
  • David Platter, aged 70, arrived in New York in 1921 aboard the ship "Fort Hamilton" from Hamilton, Bermuda [1]

Contemporary Notables of the name Platter (post 1700) +

  • Mrs. A. E. Platter, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Missouri, 1928 [2]
  • Bruno Platter (b. 1944), Italian Roman Catholic priest, the 65th Grand Master of the Teutonic Order


  1. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 13) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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