Felden History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Felden

What does the name Felden mean?

The German surname Felden 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. Brandenburg-Prussia was 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 Felden family

The surname Felden was first found in East and West Prussia, where the name contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation which would later play a large role in the tribal and national conflicts of the area. In later years the name branched into many houses, each playing a significant role in the local social and political affairs.

Early History of the Felden family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Felden research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1698, 1839 and 1869 are included under the topic Early Felden History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Felden Spelling Variations

Many 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 Felden include Feld, Felde, Fellde, Felder, Fellder, Felden and others.

Early Notables of the Felden family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Felden Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Felden migration to the United States +

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Feldens to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Felden Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Matthias Felden, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1739