| ![Show Contents]() Altendorf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany Nestled between the Rhine and Wesser rivers is the ancient German region of Westphalia. Westphalia, the home of the name Altendorf. In the German provinces, hereditary surnames were adopted after the 12th century, and names that were derived from localities became increasingly widespread. Local surnames originally denoted the proprietorship of the village or estate. When coupled with the German preposition von, which means from or of, local names can indicate that the initial bearer of the name was an aristocrat. However, in modern times, the preposition is frequently dropped from surnames of this type. The Altendorf family originally lived in one of the numerous villages named Dorff scattered throughout the German states. Many German family names were derived from the names of small villages, royal or noble households, and even large religious dwellings. Early Origins of the Altendorf familyThe surname Altendorf was first found in Westphalia, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Early History of the Altendorf familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Altendorf research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1369, 1480 and 1538 are included under the topic Early Altendorf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Altendorf Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Altendorf include Aldendorf, Altendorf, Altendorff, Aldenndorp, Alldendorp, Aldendorf, Aldendorps, Altendoerfer and many more. Early Notables of the Altendorf familyNotables of the period with the name Altendorf were - Albrecht Altendorfer (1480-1538), who was a painter and engraver, as well as a city architect of Regensburg...
 Altendorf migration to the United States | + |
Many Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of 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 settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them:
Altendorf Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- Marie Altendorf, aged 15, who landed in America, in 1894
- Robert Altendorf, aged 47, who landed in America, in 1894
Altendorf Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Jacob Altendorf, aged 32, who immigrated to the United States from Mannheim, Germany, in 1907
- Richard Altendorf, aged 33, who immigrated to the United States, in 1911
- Pawe Altendorf, aged 45, who landed in America from Warszawa, Poland, in 1921
- T. B. Altendorf, aged 48, who settled in America, in 1923
- Emma Altendorf, aged 14, who settled in America from Altona, Germany, in 1923
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
| Historic Events for the Altendorf family | + |
Bismarck - Hans Altendorf (1921-1941), German Feuerwerksgefreiter who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 1
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Altendorf migration to the United States 
