Show ContentsBabst History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Babst is a nickname surname; that is, it is derived from a nickname given to the original bearer. For the name Babst, the nickname means one of papal character. It was given to someone noted for their ecclesiastical bearing. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.

Early Origins of the Babst family

The surname Babst was first found in Saxony, where the name became noted for its many branches within the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied and enrolled by the princes of the region. Chronicles first mention one Hinrich Paves of Luebeck in 1322, a Heinricus der Babest in 1250 around the upper Rhine, and a Burchard der Babest, mayor of Breisach, in 1290. Often it meant "one of papal character." In their later history the family became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as their influence grew.

Early History of the Babst family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Babst research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1712 is included under the topic Early Babst History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Babst Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Pabst, Papst, Babst, Pabste, Pabbste, Paabste and others.

Early Notables of the Babst family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Babst Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Babst family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Adam Pabst arrived in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1752; Elisa Pabst settled in Texas in 1845; Johann Adam Pabst came to Philadelphia in 1753 (also registered as Johann Adam Babst).


Contemporary Notables of the name Babst (post 1700) +

  • Jacob Babst (1846-1926), American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Ohio, 1916 1


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, December 10) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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