Borghoff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German surname Borghoff emerged in the lands that formed the powerful German state of Prussia, which at one time was an immense German territory that stretched from France and the Low Countries to the Baltic sea and Poland. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the German territories were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The Borghoff family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Borghoff family

The surname Borghoff was first found in Prussia, where the name Burghoff came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired new estates, often in new regions which, combined with their great contributions to society, served to elevate their social status.

Early History of the Borghoff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Borghoff research. Another 52 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1798 is included under the topic Early Borghoff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Borghoff 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 Borghoff include Burghoff, Burghoffe, Burghof, Berghof, Berghoff, Berghoffe, Burgoff, Burggoff, Burgoffe and many more.

Early Notables of the Borghoff family (pre 1700)

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

Borghoff migration to the United States +

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Borghoffs to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Borghoff Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Fred Borghoff, aged 21, who arrived in New York in 1909 aboard the ship "Vigilancia" from Santiago, Cuba [1]
Viktor Borghoff, aged 37, who arrived in New York in 1909 aboard the ship "Lusitania" from Liverpool, England [2]

Contemporary Notables of the name Borghoff (post 1700) +

Uwe M. Borghoff, American technical writer, known for his work on computing science
Dr. Maureen Borghoff, Canadian chiropractor in Toronto, Ontario

Citations +

"New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JX19-Y2G : 6 December 2014), Fred Borghoff, 25 Jul 1909; citing departure port Santiago, Cuba, arrival port New York, ship name Vigilancia, NARA microfilm publication T715 and M237 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
"New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JF9F-VMJ : 6 December 2014), Viktor Borghoff, 24 Dec 1909; citing departure port Liverpool, arrival port New York, ship name Lusitania, NARA microfilm publication T715 and M237 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).