Show ContentsZeltener History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Bavaria, Germany is the ancestral home of the Zeltener family. The Germans began using hereditary surnames in the 12th century. Zeltener is an occupational name, which was derived from the kind of work done by the original bearer. It is a name for a baker. The surname Zeltener is derived from the German word "zelte," which means "flat cake." The name is also an occupational name for a tent maker, derived from the German word "zelt" meaning "tent." Furthermore, there are numerous places named Zelte in the German states.

Early Origins of the Zeltener family

The surname Zeltener was first found in Nuremberg, where the name Zeltner contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation which would later play a large role in the tribal and national conflicts of the area. In later years the name branched into many houses, each becoming involved in the local social and political affairs.

Early History of the Zeltener family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Zeltener research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1758 and 1832 are included under the topic Early Zeltener History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Zeltener Spelling Variations

In 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 Zeltener include Zeltner, Zeltener, Zelter, Zeltmer, Zeltiner, Zeltnerin, Zelltner, Zeltinger and many more.

Early Notables of the Zeltener family

More information is included under the topic Early Zeltener Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Zeltener family

The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So 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 settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: Urzula Zeltnerin, who emigrated to America in 1709; Conrad Zellner came to Pennsylvania in 1750; Lotharius Zeltinger came to America with his wife, Barbara Maxheim, and two children in 1764.



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