| ![Show Contents]() Bernholt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Germany
Etymology of BernholtWhat does the name Bernholt mean? The Bernholt family name first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria. After the 12th century, hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules, and names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Bernholt is a local surname. Originally denoting the proprietorship of an estate or influence within a village, the German preposition von, which means from or of, used with local names, was taken as a mark of aristocracy. The surname Bernholt was given to someone who lived in Franconia. The Bernholt family emerged as a notable family in Bavaria in the Middle Ages and became noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. During this time, when Europe was characterized by feudalism, chivalry, and knighthood, heroic battles over power and prestige were fought between the noble families. In an age of rapidly changing political and religious alliances, the Bernholt declared their loyalty to many different nobles and princes who sought their support in the conflicts of the day. Consequently, the Bernholt family made a vital contribution to the ancient German traditions of military initiation, legality, and chivalry. Early Origins of the Bernholt familyThe surname Bernholt was first found in Franconia, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout 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 Bernholt familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bernholt research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the year 1742 is included under the topic Early Bernholt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bernholt 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 Bernholt include Bernhold, Bernholdt, Bernholde, Bernholt, Bernehold, Berneholdt, Berneholt, Baernhold, Baernholdt, Baerenholdt, Baerenhold, Barenhold and many more. Early Notables of the Bernholt familyMore information is included under the topic Early Bernholt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bernholt familyThe great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: Johan Bernhold, who came to Maryland in 1772. Anton Bernhold arrived in Philadelphia in 1860.
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