Show ContentsStahly History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

A multitude of prestigious family names, such as the surname Stahly, were formed in the lands which became the modern German state of Prussia, known for its beauty, industry and military power. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia. The Stahly family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Stahly family

The surname Stahly was first found in Prussia, where the name Stahl was closely associated in early medieval times with the feudal society which became prominent throughout Europe. The name later emerged as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches in Bavaria and Austria. Members of this family became noted for their involvement in social, economic and political affairs.

Early History of the Stahly family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stahly research. Another 102 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1660, 1684, 1687, 1694, 1716, 1734, 1750, 1773, 1799 and 1860 are included under the topic Early Stahly History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stahly 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 Stahly include Stahl, Stahler, Staal, Stahle, Stahli, Stal, Stall, Stahlin, Stahelin, Stahlberg, Stalberg, Stahlburger and many more.

Early Notables of the Stahly family

Notable figures of the time with the name Stahly were Marguerite De Launay, Baronne Staal (1684-1750), French author; and George Ernst Stahl (1660-1734), a German chemist and physician, who served as court...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Stahly Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Stahly family

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Stahlys to arrive in North America, and among them were: Johanna Stahl, who arrived in America in 1665. Martin Stal came to New York with his wife and child in 1709: Jacob Stahle arrived in Pennsylvania in 1749.


Contemporary Notables of the name Stahly (post 1700) +

  • François Stahly (1911-2006), German-French sculptor


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