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![Show Contents]() Berntorf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Berntorf family. Berntorf is a local name, first used as a surname 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 Berntorf family declared their loyalty to many different noblemen and princes who sought their support in the conflicts of the day. Consequently, the Berntorf family made a vital contribution to the ancient German traditions of military initiation, legality, and chivalry. Early Origins of the Berntorf familyThe surname Berntorf 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 Berntorf familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berntorf research. Another 148 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1506 and 1521 are included under the topic Early Berntorf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Berntorf 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 Berntorf 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 Berntorf familyMore information is included under the topic Early Berntorf Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Berntorf familyEuropean 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 Berntorfs to arrive in North America, and among them were: C. W. Berndorff, who arrived in New York, NY in 1862.
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