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![Show Contents]() Achau History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The Achau family name first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria. After the 12th century, as hereditary surnames began to be adopted, names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Achau is a local surname. Originally denoting the proprietorship of an estate or influence within a village, the German preposition von, which means from or of, used with local names, was taken as a mark of aristocracy. The surname Achau was given to someone who lived near a prominent ash tree. The name Achau is derived from the Old German word asc, which means ash tree. The local name originated in Bavaria, a region characterized by feudalism, chivalry, and knighthood. Land proprietorship and management were the sole source of wealth and power in the Middle Ages and the Achau family, as noble landowners, became prestigious members of the landed aristocracy. Early Origins of the Achau familyThe surname Achau was first found in Bavaria, where this family became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. Early History of the Achau familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Achau research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1794 is included under the topic Early Achau History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Achau Spelling VariationsMany cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Achau include Aschau, Aschaue, Aschaues, Asschau, Achau, Achaue, Aschauer and many more. Early Notables of the Achau familyMore information is included under the topic Early Achau Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Achau familyThe great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: Friedrich Aschauer, who landed in Texas in 1846.
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