Show ContentsSchonfelder History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The German state of Silesia is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Schonfelder. In the medieval era, Germany was fragmented and inhabited by numerous Barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The ancient dukedom of Silesia derived its name from the Germanic tribe named the Silingers, who occupied Silesia between the 2nd and the 6th centuries.

Early Origins of the Schonfelder family

The surname Schonfelder was first found in Saxony, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in economic, political, and in particular military affairs.

Early History of the Schonfelder family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Schonfelder research. Another 180 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1260, 1594, 1609, 1648, 1684, 1739, 1788, 1793 and 1870 are included under the topic Early Schonfelder History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Schonfelder Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Schoenfeld, Schoenfelder, Schonfelder, Schoenfeldt, Schonfeld and many more.

Early Notables of the Schonfelder family

Prominent bearers of the family name Schonfelder at this time were Johann Heinrich Schönfeld (1609-1684), a German Baroque painter; Johann Georg Schoenfelder, pastor of Fischamend, and his brothers Johann Moritz Schoenberger, Doctor of Medicine, and...
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Schonfelder Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Schonfelder migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Schonfelder Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Friedrich Schonfelder, who settled in Philadelphia in 1737

Contemporary Notables of the name Schonfelder (post 1700) +

  • Helmut Schönfelder, German fighter pilot and flying ace in the Luftwaffe, during World War II, credited with 56 aerial victories, awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross


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