Barwalde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Germany

Etymology of Barwalde

The distinguished family surname Barwalde 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 Barwalde 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 Barwalde 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 Barwalde, 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 Barwalde family

Early History of the Barwalde family

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

Barwalde 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 Barwalde 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 Barwalde 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 Barwalde Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Barwalde family

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Barwaldes to arrive in North America, and among them 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.