Breit History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Breit comes from the Rhineland, an ancient region of Germany. In pre-medieval times, the Germans used only one name, but later they were forced by a growing population to adopt hereditary surnames, so as to remain distinct from others using the same personal (first) name. Local names derived from place names, were often chosen. They originally indicated land ownership, and frequently carried the prefix von, meaning "of" or "from", which is often taken as an indication of aristocratic lineage. Breit was a name for some one lived near a wide brook or body of water. Breit is a topographic surname, a type of name given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. Early Origins of the Breit familyThe surname Breit was first found in the Rhineland, where the name Breidbach became noted for its many branches with the region, with each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. Over time, the family became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility. Early History of the Breit familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Breit research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1690 is included under the topic Early Breit History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Breit 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 Breit include Breidbach, Breidbache, Breidback, Breidbacke, Breidbakke, Breidbauch, Breidebach, Breitbache, Breitbach, Breitback, Breitbacke, Breitbakke, Breitbauch, Bredebach, Bredebache, Bredeback, Bredebacke, Breidbacher, Breidbacker, Breidbeck, Breidbecker, Breitbacher, Breitbacker, Breitbeck and many more. Early Notables of the Breit familyMore information is included under the topic Early Breit Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Breit RankingIn the United States, the name Breit is the 17,862nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1
Between the 17th and 20th centuries, hundreds of thousands of Europeans came to North America, and many Rhinelanders were among them. They had many various reasons for making the choice: to escape poverty and persecution, for adventure, and for the opportunity to own their own land. Ellis Island, one of the main American immigration centers, saw many settlers as they moved on to the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, and New York. In Canada, they found homes in Ontario, and on the great plains of the Midwestern provinces. The Breit were among of the early German families that came to North America: Breit Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Breit Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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