Seefelder History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Denmark
Germany

Etymology of Seefelder

What does the name Seefelder mean?

The Seefelder surname is a habitational name from any of numerous places named so named. These place names Seefeld, are derived from the Middle High German words "se," meaning "lake," and "velt," which describes open country.

Early Origins of the Seefelder family

The surname Seefelder was first found in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, 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. Seefeldt is also connected to several place names in the Holstein region.

Early History of the Seefelder family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Seefelder research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1324 and 1393 are included under the topic Early Seefelder History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Seefelder 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 Seefelder include Seefeldt, Seefeldte, Seefelldt, Sefeldt, Seefeldts, Seefeldtes, Seefeld, Seefelt, Seafeldt, Seafelt and many more.

Early Notables of the Seefelder family

Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Seefelder Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Seefelder migration to the United States +

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Seefelders to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Seefelder Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Zacariah Seefelder, who settled in Philadelphia in 1859

Contemporary Notables of the name Seefelder (post 1700) +

Matthias Seefelder (b. 1920), professor of chemistry who sat on the board of directors for various museums and art societies the German Museum in Munich. He was awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur in 1979, the Cross of Outstanding Merit, and the Grand Cross with Star, Order of Merit in 1982