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![Show Contents]() Borstelle 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 Borstelle. 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 Borstelle family. Early Origins of the Borstelle familyThe surname Borstelle 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 Borstelle familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Borstelle research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1566 is included under the topic Early Borstelle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Borstelle 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 Borstelle include Borstell, Borstel, Borsteler, Borstelle, Borsteller, Borstele, Borrstell, Borrstel, Borrstele, Borstler, Borstler, Borstal, Borstaler, Borstaller, Borstaul, Borstall and many more. Early Notables of the Borstelle familyMore information is included under the topic Early Borstelle Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Borstelle familyPrussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Borstelle 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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