| ![Show Contents]() Bergem History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany The name Bergem 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 the many others of the same first name. Local 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. Bergem was a name for some one lived in the Rhine valley. Early Origins of the Bergem familyThe surname Bergem was first found in the Rhineland valley, where the family gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. The name became prominent as many branches of the family founded separate houses and acquired estates in surrounding regions. Early History of the Bergem familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bergem research. Another 279 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1244, 1491, 1505, 1512, 1535, 1565, 1572, 1683, 1698 and 1772 are included under the topic Early Bergem History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bergem Spelling VariationsMany 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 Bergem include Berchem, Bercheim, Berchheim, Bergheim, Bergheimer, Berghem, Burgheim, Burghem, Bergem, Bercheme, Berchems, Bercham, Berkem and many more. Early Notables of the Bergem familyNotables with the name Bergem during this period were Georg von Berchem, Privy Councellor at the court of Brandenburg, who was ennobled in 1698 in reward for his outstanding service. Jacquet de Berchem (1505-1565), a prominent Flemish composer, was primarily known for his madrigals. He was born in Flanders...
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bergem Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bergem familyBetween 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 Bergem were among of the early German families that came to North America: Wilhelm Bergheimer, who came to Philadelphia in 1732.
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