| ![Show Contents]() Breitbache History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Germany
Etymology of BreitbacheWhat does the name Breitbache mean? The name Breitbache comes from the Rhineland, an ancient region of Germany. In pre-medieval times, the Germans used only one name, but later they were forced by a growing population to adopt hereditary surnames; so as to remain distinct from the many others of the same first name. Local names were often chosen. They originally indicated land ownership, and frequently carried the prefix von, meaning "of" or "from," which is often taken as an indication of aristocratic lineage. Breitbache was a name for some one lived near a wide brook or body of water. Breitbache is a topographic surname, a type of name given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. Early Origins of the Breitbache familyThe surname Breitbache was first found in the Rhineland, where the name Breidbach became noted for its many branches with the region, with each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. Over time, the family became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility. Early History of the Breitbache familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Breitbache research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1690 is included under the topic Early Breitbache History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Breitbache Spelling VariationsMany 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 Breitbache include Breidbach, Breidbache, Breidback, Breidbacke, Breidbakke, Breidbauch, Breidebach, Breitbache, Breitbach, Breitback, Breitbacke, Breitbakke, Breitbauch, Bredebach, Bredebache, Bredeback, Bredebacke, Breidbacher, Breidbacker, Breidbeck, Breidbecker, Breitbacher, Breitbacker, Breitbeck and many more. Early Notables of the Breitbache familyMore information is included under the topic Early Breitbache Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Breitbache familyBetween the 17th and 20th centuries, hundreds of thousands of Europeans came to North America, and many Rhinelanders were among them. They had many various reasons for making the choice: to escape poverty and persecution, for adventure, and for the opportunity to own their own land. Ellis Island, one of the main American immigration centers, saw many settlers as they moved on to the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, and New York. In Canada, they found homes in Ontario, and on the great plains of the Midwestern provinces. The Breitbache were among of the early German families that came to North America: Nicolaus Breidebach and Johann Breidenbach both of whom arrived in Pennsylvania in 1764 and in 1765 respectively; Eckhard and Hannche Breidenbach who arrived in America in 1852 and 1853 respectively.
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