Show ContentsStärkel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Stärkel is a Westphalian-German nickname. Such surnames were very common in Westphalia. They were adapted from traditional eke-names, or added names, that described physical characteristics of their bearers. Stärkel is a hereditary surname for a person who was noted for being strong and powerful. The name Stärkel was originally derived from the German word "starc," which means "strong."

Early Origins of the Stärkel family

The surname Stärkel was first found in Westphalia, where the name was associated with the noble family whose seat was in the area around Bochum. They gained a significant reputation for contributions to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates and branches, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society.

Early History of the Stärkel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stärkel research. Another 161 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1742, 1811 and 1874 are included under the topic Early Stärkel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stärkel 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 Stärkel include Starck, Starcke, Stark, Starke (Lausitz), Staerk, Staerkel, Staerkle and many more.

Early Notables of the Stärkel family

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

Migration of the Stärkel family

For many Germans, emigration to North America was an inviting alternative to the trials of life in the old country. From the mid-17th into the present century, thousands of Germans migrated across the Atlantic. They capitalized on the chance to escape poverty and persecution, and to own their own land. After 1650, Germans settled throughout the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also landed in Canada, settling in Ontario or father west on the rich land of the prairies. Among them: Johann Georg Starck, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1753. Johann Ludwig Starck came in 1771; while Conrad, Dorothea, Christiana, and Margaret Starck all arrived in New Orleans in 1820. Jacob Stark came to Philadelphia in 1750.



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