Bourscheid History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Bourscheid

What does the name Bourscheid mean?

The history of the Bourscheid family name begins in the German province of Bavaria. Bourscheid is a nickname surname, a class of German names derived from eke-names, or added names, that described people by a personal characteristic or other attribute. Bourscheid is a name for a person who lived in Bavaria. Originally, the bearers of the surname Bourscheid were concentrated in Bavaria; however, the family rapidly expanded into other parts of Germany and branched into many houses. The dimensions of the Bourscheid family increased markedly during the 16th century, which was also a time of large scale continental migration, as its members developed interests outside the region of Bavaria. The branches of the Bourscheid family acquired a status and influence that were envied by the other Bavarian nobles and each of the houses of the Bourscheid family played an important role in the frequent conflicts among the nobility over power and status. In their later history, the Bourscheid family became one of the most influential families of the area and were elevated to the ranks of nobility.

Early Origins of the Bourscheid family

The surname Bourscheid was first found in Bavaria, where the name Bourschiedt 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 estates in new locations which, combined with their great contributions to society, succeeded in elevating their social status.

Early History of the Bourscheid family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bourscheid research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bourscheid History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bourscheid 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 Bourscheid include Bourschiedt, Bourscheid, Bourtscheid, Bourschedt, Borscheid, Bortscheid, Borschedt, Burscheid and many more.

Early Notables of the Bourscheid family

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

Migration of the Bourscheid family

The 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: Gerh. Wilhelm Burscheid, who arrived in America in 1834; Barbara Burtscheid, who arrived in New York, NY in 1876; and John Burscheid, who arrived in Illinois in 1889..