Show ContentsBesnart History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Besnart family. Besnart is a local name. Besnart is a name for someone who lived in Bavaria. The Besnart family became prominent in local affairs and as a result, it acquired a distinguished reputation among the other noble families in Bavaria.

Early Origins of the Besnart family

The surname Besnart was first found in Bavaria, where the name Besnard made a great early contribution to the feudal society of early Europe. The name Besnard became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses where family members continued to play important roles in the savage tribal and national conflicts which resulted as each group sought to maximize its power and status in an ever changing territorial profile.

Early History of the Besnart family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Besnart research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1783 is included under the topic Early Besnart History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Besnart 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 Besnart include Besnard, Besnarde, Besnart, Besnarte, Bessnard, Bessnarde, Bessnart, Bessnarte, Basnard, Basnarde, Basnart, Basnarte, Bassnard, Bassnarde, Bassnart, Bassnarte, Baesnard, Baesnarde, Baesnart, Baesnarte, Baessnard, Baessnarde, Baessnart and many more.

Early Notables of the Besnart family

More information is included under the topic Early Besnart Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Besnart migration to Canada +

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 Besnarts to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Besnart Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
  • Rene Besnart, who arrived in Montreal, Que. in 1653
  • Rene Besnart, who arrived in Montreal in 1653


Houseofnames.com on Facebook