Oesterreich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The ancient and distinguished surname Oesterreich is derived from the Old High German words "ostar," meaning "eastern," and "rihhi," meaning "kingdom." Thus, the name is used to denote someone who came from an eastern region. Oesterreich is also the German name for the Republic of Austria, and is therefore a common surname for Germans of Austrian ancestry.

Early Origins of the Oesterreich family

The surname Oesterreich was first found in the eastern regions of Germany, where it is thought to have emerged. Due to the origins of the name, it is likely that several branches of the Oesterreich family emerged in various parts of Germany. The earliest recorded bearer of the name was Arnold de Oesterich, who was a town councillor and resident of the city of Stettin in the year 1136. The branches of the young Oesterreich family were instrumental during this formative period, figuring prominently in Germany's early history and contributing greatly to the development of the medieval societies of their respective regions.

Early History of the Oesterreich family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Oesterreich research. Another 162 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1136, 1302, 1338, 1350, 1664, 1692, 1735, 1745, 1750, 1809, 1830 and 1898 are included under the topic Early Oesterreich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Oesterreich Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Oesterreich, Österreich, Oesterich, Österich, Oestreich, Oesterreicher, Osterich, Osterreich, Ostrich, Östreich and many more.

Early Notables of the Oesterreich family

Prominent bearers of the name Oesterreich at this time were

Anton August Oesterreich (1692-1745), a well-known German pastor

Migration of the Oesterreich family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Johan Conrad Oestreich, who immigrated to Philadelphia in 1752; Hermann Oestreich, a Hessian mercenary who settled in America after fighting in the Revolutionary War.

Contemporary Notables of the name Oesterreich (post 1700) +

Walburga "Dolly" Oesterreich (b. 1880), American housewife whose 10-year affair with Otto Weir ended up in the shooting death of her husband; inspiration for the film, The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom, and the television movie The Man in the Attic
Traugott Konstantin Oesterreich (1880-1949), German religious psychologist and philosopher