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![Show Contents]() Borschell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Borschell. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Borschell family. Early Origins of the Borschell familyThe surname Borschell was first found in Brandenburg, where the name Borstell became noted for its many branches with the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name developed from the Old Saxon name Borstel which means "little woods." Ironically, we find the first record of the family not here but in ancient England where Thomas Borstale (d. 1290?), was a scholastic theologian, a native of Norfolk, and belonged to the convent of Augustinian friars (Friars Eremites) at Norwich; such was the influence of the ancient Saxons. 1 Early History of the Borschell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Borschell research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1566 is included under the topic Early Borschell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Borschell Spelling VariationsMany 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 Borschell include Borstell, Borstel, Borsteler, Borstelle, Borsteller, Borstele, Borrstell, Borrstel, Borrstele, Borstler, Borstler, Borstal, Borstaler, Borstaller, Borstaul, Borstall and many more. Early Notables of the Borschell familyMore information is included under the topic Early Borschell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Borschell familyThe 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 Borschells to arrive in North America, and among them were: John Borstall arrived in Maryland in 1678; Agnes Borstel settled in New York in 1849; J. Von Borstel arrived in New York City in 1850; Hans Georg Borstler, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1732.
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
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