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![Show Contents]() Walderheim History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
Nestled between the Rhine and Wesser rivers is the ancient German region of Westphalia. Westphalia, the home of the name Walderheim. When hereditary surnames were adopted in this region, after the 12th century, names that were derived from localities were quite common. These "local" surnames originally denoted the proprietorship of the village or estate. When coupled with the German preposition von, which means from or of, local names can indicate that the initial bearer of the name was an aristocrat. However, in modern times, the use of the preposition has often long since been dropped from use. The Walderheim family originally lived near a forest. The name Walderheim is derived from the Germanic word wald, which meant forest and the Old German word heim, which means settlement or homestead. Early Origins of the Walderheim familyThe surname Walderheim was first found in Westphalia, where the name contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation which would later play a large role in the national conflicts of the territories of Germany. In later years the name branched into many houses, each playing a significant role in the local social and political affairs. Early History of the Walderheim familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Walderheim research. Another 170 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1518, 1603 and 1649 are included under the topic Early Walderheim History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Walderheim Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Walderheim include Waldheim, Waldenheim, Walderheim, Waltheim and others. Early Notables of the Walderheim familyAnother 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Walderheim Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Walderheim familyMany Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them: Peter Waldhelm, who arrived in America in 1779; Friedrich Waldheim, who came to New York in 1835; and Philip Waldheim, who came to New York in 1851.
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