Barnhardt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany
Portugal

The prestigious family surname Barnhardt originated in the territory that eventually became the German state of Prussia. In the 19th century, this state was virtually unrivalled militarily, and its rapid industrial growth made it a contender for economic superiority in Europe as well. 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 Barnhardt 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 Barnhardt family

The surname Barnhardt was first found in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg, and throughout the lands that would later form the Prussian Empire, where the name became noted for its many branches, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the regions. In their later history the name became a power unto themselves and was elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family. In its mediaeval context, the literal meaning of the name was "baerenkuehn," that is, "bear-brave." The name began its rise to prominence as one of the most popular first names of northern Germany in the Middle Ages before becoming firmly grounded as a surname.

Early History of the Barnhardt family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barnhardt research. Another 219 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1604, 1612, 1623, 1639, 1692, 1728, 1760, 1762, 1763, 1769, 1787, 1810, 1818 and 1820 are included under the topic Early Barnhardt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barnhardt Spelling Variations

One 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 Barnhardt include Bernhard, Bernhardi (Alemannic), Bernhardy (Latin genetive form found along Rhine and Danube rivers), Bernardt, Bernhardt, Bernehard, Bernehardt and many more.

Early Notables of the Barnhardt family

Notable figures of the time with the name Barnhardt were Duke Bernhard of Saxen-Weimar (1604-1639), who was a celebrated general in the Thirty Years' War. He was born in 1604 in Weimar as the eleventh son of John, duke of Saxen-Weimar. At the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War he took the field on the Protestant side. Because of his contribution to Protestantism in Germany and his bravery shown on the battlefield Bernhard he was regarded by German Protestants as the savior of their religion. Christoph Bernhard, capellmeister at Dresden; son of a poor sailor; born at Dantzic, 1612. He was...
Another 153 words (11 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Barnhardt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barnhardt Ranking

In the United States, the name Barnhardt is the 18,345^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Barnhardt migration to the United States +

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 Barnhardts to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Barnhardt Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Martin Barnhardt, who arrived in DeWitt County, Illinois in 1860 2
Harvey T. Barnhardt, aged 2, who settled in America, in 1892
Mrs. Barnhardt, aged 36, who landed in America, in 1892

Barnhardt Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Sarah F. Barnhardt, aged 36, who immigrated to America, in 1904
Arthur Barnhardt, aged 35, who immigrated to the United States, in 1906
George Barnhardt, aged 38, who landed in America, in 1907
Floy Barnhardt, aged 10, who landed in America, in 1908
Harold M. Barnhardt, aged 30, who immigrated to the United States, in 1912
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Barnhardt (post 1700) +

Robert A. Barnhardt (b. 1937), American educator, Chancellor of North Carolina State University
Luther Ernest Barnhardt (1903-1980), American politician, 23rd Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina from 1957 to 1961
Wilton Barnhardt (b. 1960), American reporter for Sports Illustrated and author of Emma Who Saved My Life (1989)
Thomas Ray Barnhardt (b. 1963), American retired NFL football punter

Citations +

"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)