Ahrendorf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German surname Ahrendorf emerged in the lands that formed the powerful German state of Prussia, which at one time was an immense German territory that stretched from France and the Low Countries to the Baltic sea and Poland. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the German territories were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. West Prussia, where the distinguished surname Ahrendorf was born, was nestled between Brandenburg and East Prussia on the Vistula River. It is famous for its ancient cities, such as Danzig, which is renowned for its culture and fine displays ofRenaissance art and architecture.

Early Origins of the Ahrendorf family

The surname Ahrendorf was first found in the Mark region of Germany, where the family contributed to the prosperity of the area. Many nobles and princes of early history sought the family's influence in their struggle for political power and status within the region. The family founded numerous branches, many of which acquired manors and estates in surrounding regions. The ancestral manor and estate, built in the early 13th century, was called "Ahrensdorf" and was located in the Templiner region of the Uckermark, north of Berlin.

Early History of the Ahrendorf family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ahrendorf research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1790 is included under the topic Early Ahrendorf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ahrendorf 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 Ahrendorf include Arenstorf, Ahrenstorf, Arenstorph, Arenstorfe, Arenstorphe, Arenstorff, Arenstorffe, Arnstorph, Ahrensdorf, Arensdorf and many more.

Early Notables of the Ahrendorf family

Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ahrendorf Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ahrendorf migration to the United States +

Since medieval times, the state of Prussia has played an important part in the history of Germany. The state's military powers were historically very strong, and endured until after the Second World War, when the territory was broken up and divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. A spurt of migration followed, with some Prussians going elsewhere in Europe and many others crossing the ocean to North America. Most entered the United States through Philadelphia. Some remained there, while more moved on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others traveled to Canada and settled Ontario and the prairie provinces. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Ahrendorf or a variant listed above:

Ahrendorf Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Philip Heinrich Ahrendorf, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1753 at the age of 38