| ![Show Contents]() Berlen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Germany
Etymology of BerlenWhat does the name Berlen mean? The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Berlen family. Berlen is a local name, first used as a surname for someone who lived in the city of Berlin, the capital of Germany. The city took its name from a Wendish word which means river rake, or a scaffold of beams built over a river to prevent logs from jamming; the river in question was the Spree. The German name is also found in the Hamburg area, where it may be derived from the village of the same name. Berlin is also an Ashkenazic Jewish local name, derived from the same origins as the German form of the local name. The Berlen family emerged as an influential family and they became noted for their involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Early Origins of the Berlen familyThe surname Berlen was first found in Nuremburg, where the name Berlin was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society of early European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Early History of the Berlen familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berlen research. Another 54 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1725 and 1799 are included under the topic Early Berlen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Berlen Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Berlen include Berlin, Berliner, Berling, Berlen, Burlin, Burling, Barlin, Barling and many more. Early Notables of the Berlen familyMore information is included under the topic Early Berlen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Berlen migration to the United States | + |
European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Berlens to arrive in North America, and among them were:
Berlen Settlers in United States in the 18th Century- Johanne Caspar Berlen who, with his two daughters and son, who arrived in New York City in 1750
- Joh Casper Berlen, who arrived in America in 1750 1
- Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
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