The Lichtstein surname is thought to be habitational in origin, deriving from the place name Lichtenstein. The place name stems from the German words "licht," meaning "light" and "stein" meaning "stone."
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Early Origins of the Lichtstein family
The surname Lichtstein was first found in Franconia, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as they emerged to form alliances with other families within the feudal system.
Early History of the Lichtstein family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lichtstein research. Another 237 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1304, 1402, 1466, 1777, 1889 and 1914 are included under the topic Early Lichtstein History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Lichtstein 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 Lichtstein include Lichtenstein, Liechtenstein, Lichtensteen, Lichtenstine, Licktenstine, Lichenstine, Lichenstein, Lichenstien, Lichtstein, Lichtstien and many more.
Early Notables of the Lichtstein family
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lichtstein Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Lichtstein family
The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: Jacob Lichtenstein, who came to Philadelphia in 1846 and Joseph Lichtenstein, who came to Philadelphia in 1872.
