Barwal History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Germany

Etymology of Barwal

The distinguished family surname Barwal originated in the lands which eventually became the German state of Prussia. This state was known for its majestic landscape, its rapid industrial growth, its military power, and for its contributions to European culture. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia. The Barwal family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

The name Barwal literally meant 'dweller at the sign of the bear' for someone thought to possess bearlike qualities. The bear was the king of beasts in the North of Europe. The personal name Barwal, an old Germanic name, is composed of the Old High German word "bero", meaning "bear", and the Middle Low German "wald", meaning "forest". Today, the place name Bärwalde (Baerwalde or Bearwalde) can be found in Brandenburg and Saxony (two places.)

Early Origins of the Barwal family

Early History of the Barwal family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barwal research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1384, 1796, 1799, 1817, 1819 and 1868 are included under the topic Early Barwal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barwal Spelling Variations

Many 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 Barwal include Berwalde, Berwald, Berwal, Berwaldde, Berwallde, Berwalde, Berwale, Berwalle, Barwalde, Baerwalde, Barwald, Berwaldm, Barwal, Barwal, Barwaldde, Baerwaldde, Barwallde, Baerwallde, Barwalde, Baerwalde, Barwale, Baerwale, Barwalle and many more.

Early Notables of the Barwal family

Franz Berwald (1796-1868), a Swedish composer who spent most of his life in Stockholm. He came from a family which boasted a long line of musicians. In his lifetime he composed symphonies, chamber music and two operas. Johann Friedrich Berwald was a violinist, son of one of the chamber musicians of the King of Sweden, born at Stockholm July 23, 1796, travelled as an infant prodigy, composed a...
Another 66 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Barwal Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Barwal family

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Barwal were Anna Berwald and Ernst Berwald who both arrived in New York City in 1850; Charles Berwald, who came to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1859; August Barwald arrived in America in 1895.