Shallin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Shallin

What does the name Shallin mean?

The Shallin family name comes from the from Middle High German word "schal," which means "noise," or "bragging," and as such is was thought to have originally been a nickname for a braggart, or for a market crier. The German people originally used only one name, but as the population grew there was often confusion between people of the same name. This required people to adopt hereditary surnames. Many people took surnames based on nicknames - sometimes known as eke-names - that described certain personal characteristics.

Early Origins of the Shallin family

The surname Shallin was first found in the ancient Rhineland, where this family name became associated with a notable aristocratic line of the city of Cologne. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. Chronicles mention one Robert Schallo as early as 1150.

Early History of the Shallin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shallin research. Another 148 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1387, 1592, 1666, 1745 and 1815 are included under the topic Early Shallin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shallin 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 Shallin include Schall, Schaal, Schal, Schaell, Schael, Schalle, Schaller, Schallin and many more.

Early Notables of the Shallin family

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

Migration of the Shallin family

Between the 17th and 20th centuries, hundreds of thousands of Europeans came to North America, and many Rhinelanders were among them. They had many various reasons for making the choice: to escape poverty and persecution, for adventure, and for the opportunity to own their own land. Ellis Island, one of the main American immigration centers, saw many settlers as they moved on to the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, and New York. In Canada, they found homes in Ontario, and on the great plains of the Midwestern provinces. The Shallin were among of the early German families that came to North America: Simon Schaller, who came to Philadelphia in 1728; Carl Schallin, who came to Philadelphia in 1739; Johan Albrecht Schaller, who came to Philadelphia in 1737.