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![Show Contents]() Bärnholdt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The Bärnholdt surname first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria, some time after the 12th century, when hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules, and names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Bärnholdt is a local surname. Originally denoting the proprietorship of an estate or influence within a village, the German preposition von, which means from or of, used with local names, was taken as a mark of aristocracy. The surname Bärnholdt was given to someone who lived in Franconia. The Bärnholdt family emerged as a notable family in Bavaria in the Middle Ages and became noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. During this time, when Europe was characterized by feudalism, chivalry, and knighthood, heroic battles over power and prestige were fought between the noble families. In an age of rapidly changing political and religious alliances, the Bärnholdt declared their loyalty to many different nobles and princes who sought their support in the conflicts of the day. Consequently, the Bärnholdt family made a vital contribution to the ancient German traditions of military initiation, legality, and chivalry. Early Origins of the Bärnholdt familyThe surname Bärnholdt was first found in Franconia, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Early History of the Bärnholdt familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bärnholdt research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the year 1742 is included under the topic Early Bärnholdt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bärnholdt 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 Bärnholdt include Bernhold, Bernholdt, Bernholde, Bernholt, Bernehold, Berneholdt, Berneholt, Baernhold, Baernholdt, Baerenholdt, Baerenhold, Barenhold and many more. Early Notables of the Bärnholdt familyMore information is included under the topic Early Bärnholdt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bärnholdt familyThe 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 provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: Johan Bernhold, who came to Maryland in 1772. Anton Bernhold arrived in Philadelphia in 1860.
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