Zelter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Bavaria, Germany is the ancestral home of the Zelter family. The Germans began using hereditary surnames in the 12th century. Zelter 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 Zelter 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 Zelter family

The surname Zelter 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 Zelter family

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

Zelter Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Zelter family

Prominent among members of the name Zelter in this period include

Karl Friedrich Zelter (1758-1832), German composer, who set many of Goethe's poems to music

Migration of the Zelter family

Between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries, German settlers arrived in North America by the thousands. Persecution based on religion and poverty were great motivators in this large-scale migration. So too was the opportunity for tenant farmers to own their own land. Ample land and opportunity awaited the settlers who went to such states as Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, as well as Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Zelter or a variant listed above: 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.

Contemporary Notables of the name Zelter (post 1700) +

Carl Friedrich Zelter (1758-1832), German composer, conductor and teacher of music