Show ContentsBurscheid History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Burscheid

What does the name Burscheid mean?

The history of the Burscheid family name begins in the German province of Bavaria. Burscheid 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. Burscheid is a name for a person who lived in Bavaria. Originally, the bearers of the surname Burscheid were concentrated in Bavaria; however, the family rapidly expanded into other parts of Germany and branched into many houses. The dimensions of the Burscheid 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 Burscheid family acquired a status and influence that were envied by the other Bavarian nobles and each of the houses of the Burscheid family played an important role in the frequent conflicts among the nobility over power and status. In their later history, the Burscheid family became one of the most influential families of the area and were elevated to the ranks of nobility.

Early Origins of the Burscheid family

The surname Burscheid 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 Burscheid family

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

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

Early Notables of the Burscheid family

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


Burscheid migration to the United States +

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Burscheid surname or a spelling variation of the name include:

Burscheid Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Gerh. Wilhelm Burscheid, who arrived in America in 1834
  • John Burscheid, who arrived in Illinois in 1889


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