Borchart History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Borchart

What does the name Borchart mean?

The surname Borchart emerged in the ancient German province of Westphalia, which lies between the Rhine and Wesser rivers. Two of the common types of hereditary surnames found in the Westphalia were patronymic surnames, which were derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which were derived from the mother's given name. The surname Borchart was derived from the old Germanic personal name Burghard, in turn derived from the Old German word "burg," which meant "fortress" or "castle," and "har" or "hari," which meant "army." The second part of the name may also be derived from the Old German word "hard" or "hart," which meant "strong."

Early Origins of the Borchart family

The surname Borchart was first found in Westphalia, where this family was an integral part of a feudal society which would shape modern European history. The -hert ending of this variant of the name comes from "hardt," which meant "brave" in Middle High German. Many prominent branches of the family would strive to make this name renowned as they contributed to the social, economic and political affairs of the region.

Early History of the Borchart family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Borchart research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1773 is included under the topic Early Borchart History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Borchart Spelling Variations

In 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 Borchart include Borchert, Borchers, Borchart, Borchardt and others.

Early Notables of the Borchart family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Borchart Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Borchart migration to the United States +

For many Germans, emigration to North America was an inviting alternative to the trials of life in the old country. From the mid-17th into the present century, thousands of Germans migrated across the Atlantic. They capitalized on the chance to escape poverty and persecution, and to own their own land. After 1650, Germans settled throughout the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also landed in Canada, settling in Ontario or father west on the rich land of the prairies. Among them:

Borchart Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Peter Borchart, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1739