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![Show Contents]() Borstele 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 Borstele. 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 Borstele family. Early Origins of the Borstele familyThe surname Borstele 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 Borstele familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Borstele research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1566 is included under the topic Early Borstele History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Borstele 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 Borstele include Borstell, Borstel, Borsteler, Borstelle, Borsteller, Borstele, Borrstell, Borrstel, Borrstele, Borstler, Borstler, Borstal, Borstaler, Borstaller, Borstaul, Borstall and many more. Early Notables of the Borstele familyMore information is included under the topic Early Borstele Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Borstele familySince medieval times, the state of Prussia has played an important part in the history of Germany. The state's military powers were historically very strong, and endured until after the Second World War, when the territory was broken up and divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. A spurt of migration followed, with some Prussians going elsewhere in Europe and many others crossing the ocean to North America. Most entered the United States through Philadelphia. Some remained there, while more moved on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others traveled to Canada and settled Ontario and the prairie provinces. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Borstele or a variant listed above: 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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