Bechtolsheim History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Germany

Etymology of Bechtolsheim

The name Bechtolsheim 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. Bechtolsheim was a name for some one lived in the Rhineland, where the family played an influential role in the development of the region.

Early Origins of the Bechtolsheim family

Early History of the Bechtolsheim family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bechtolsheim research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1290, 1624, 1725, 1806, 1808 and 1852 are included under the topic Early Bechtolsheim History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bechtolsheim 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 Bechtolsheim include Bechtolsheim, Bectolsheim, Becktolsheim, Becketolsheim, Becktollsheim, Bechtollsheim, Bechtolshaim, Bectolshaim, Becktolshaim, Becketolshaim, Becktollshaim, Bechtollshaim, Bechtelsheim, Bechelsheim, Bechelheim and many more.

Early Notables of the Bechtolsheim family

Baron Johann Ludwig (1725-1806), Lord of Schornsheim, Mommernheim, and Bechtoldsheim, who was the Privy Councillor to the Duke of Saxony and the Chancellor of Eisenach. His son, Carl Emil...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bechtolsheim Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bechtolsheim family

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 Bechtolsheim were among of the early German families that came to North America: Byron Becton, who arrived in Ohio in 1860-1875; and John Becton, who came to Ontario in 1871.