Berndorff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Berndorff family. Berndorff is a local name. Berndorff is a name for someone who lived in Bavaria. During the Middle Ages, when feudalism, chivalry, and knighthood characterized Europe, heroic battles over power and prestige were fought between the noble families. In an age of rapidly changing political and religious alliances, the Berndorff family declared their loyalty to many different noblemen and princes who sought their support in the conflicts of the day. Consequently, the Berndorff family made a vital contribution to the ancient German traditions of military initiation, legality, and chivalry.

Early Origins of the Berndorff family

The surname Berndorff was first found in Bavaria, where the name Berndorf made a great early contribution to the feudal society of early Europe. The name Berndorf became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses where family members continued to play important roles in the savage tribal and national conflicts which resulted as each group sought to maximize its power and status in an ever changing territorial profile.

Early History of the Berndorff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berndorff research. Another 148 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1506 and 1521 are included under the topic Early Berndorff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berndorff Spelling Variations

Many 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 Berndorff include Berndorf, Berndorff, Berndorfer, Berndorffer, Burndorf, Burndorff, Berndorphe, Berndorp, Berndorper, Berntorf, Berntorff, Berntorffer, Barndorf, Baerndorf, Barndorff, Baerndorff, Barndorffer, Baerndorffer, Barndorp, Baerndorp, Barndorper, Baerndorper, Barntorf, Baerntorf, Barntorff, Baerntorff, Barntorffer and many more.

Early Notables of the Berndorff family

Prominent among members of the name Berndorff in this period include

Caspar Berndorffer, Bavarian politician during the time of Duke Wilhem

Berndorff migration to the United States +

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Berndorffs to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Berndorff Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

C. W. Berndorff, who arrived in New York, NY in 1862