|
![Show Contents]() Althusen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The name Althusen comes from the German region of Westphalia. The tradition of adopting hereditary surnames came to Germany after the 12th century, and the names of places where people lived were a primary source. Many local names carry the prefix "von", meaning "of" or "from". It originally indicated land ownership, and is sometimes a mark of nobility. The Althusen family originally lived in an ancient dwelling or a very old house. The name Althusen is derived from the German words alt, which means old, and haus, which means house. There is also a place in Germany called Althaus and thus, this surname may have been given to a person that was from this town. Early Origins of the Althusen familyThe surname Althusen was first found in Muensterland, Westphalia, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power. Chronicles first mention Conradus de Oldenhus, a family in Muenster, in 1353. Early History of the Althusen familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Althusen research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1556 and 1637 are included under the topic Early Althusen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Althusen Spelling VariationsIn 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 Althusen include Althaus, Althausen, Althous, Althousen, Althouse, Althausens, Althaussen, Althusen, Althussen, Oldehus, Oldenhus, Alshaus, Allshouse, Allshaus, Althuyzer, Althäuser and many more. Early Notables of the Althusen familyMore information is included under the topic Early Althusen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Althusen familyFor many Germans, emigration to North America was an inviting alternative to the trials of life in the old country. From the mid-17th into the present century, thousands of Germans migrated across the Atlantic. They capitalized on the chance to escape poverty and persecution, and to own their own land. After 1650, Germans settled throughout the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also landed in Canada, settling in Ontario or father west on the rich land of the prairies. Among them: Abraham Althaus, age 24; who settled in Philadelphia in 1731; as did Johannes Althauss in 1738 and Erasmus Althous in 1749; and Christian Althaus, who arrived in Texas in 1846..
|
