Burghoff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German surname Burghoff 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 Burghoff 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 Burghoff family

The surname Burghoff 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 Burghoff family

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

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

Early Notables of the Burghoff family

Notable figures of the time with the name Burghoff were

the von Burghoff family of Prussia

Burghoff migration to the United States +

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Burghoff were

Burghoff Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Friedrich Burghoff, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1803

Contemporary Notables of the name Burghoff (post 1700) +

Gary Burghoff (b. 1943), American actor, best known for his character Corporal "Radar" O'Reilly in "M*A*S*H" and as Charlie Brown in the Broadway production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"