The surname Staerk is a Westphalian-German nickname. Such surnames were very common in Westphalia. They were adapted from traditional eke-names, or added names, that described physical characteristics of their bearers. Staerk is a hereditary surname for a person who was noted for being strong and powerful. The name Staerk was originally derived from the German word "starc," which means "strong."
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Early Origins of the Staerk family
The surname Staerk was first found in Westphalia, where the name was associated with the noble family whose seat was in the area around Bochum. They gained a significant reputation for contributions to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates and branches, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society.
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Early History of the Staerk family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Staerk research. Another 161 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1742, 1811 and 1874 are included under the topic Early Staerk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Staerk 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 Staerk include Starck, Starcke, Stark, Starke (Lausitz), Staerk, Staerkel, Staerkle and many more.
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Early Notables of the Staerk family
More information is included under the topic Early Staerk Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Staerk family
After 1650, thousands of German settlers came to North America to escape the religious persecution and poverty that wracked Europe and to make the most of the opportunity to own their own land in a new country. They settled across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, and in Canada in Ontario and on the fertile plains of the prairie provinces. Among them: Johann Georg Starck, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1753. Johann Ludwig Starck came in 1771; while Conrad, Dorothea, Christiana, and Margaret Starck all arrived in New Orleans in 1820. Jacob Stark came to Philadelphia in 1750.
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