Similar to many Austrian family names, the distinguished surname Thur is a proud sign of a rich and ancient ancestry. The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Austria were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Austrian and German patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century and the most common patronymic suffix is ez. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. The name Thur is derived from the ancient Germanic personal name Thor, meaning thunder.
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Early Origins of the Thur family
The surname Thur was first found in the province of Tyrol in Austria, where the name became identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would play a prominent role throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its participation in social, economic and political affairs.
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Early History of the Thur family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thur research. Another 160 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1165 and 1755 are included under the topic Early Thur History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Thur 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 Thur include Thor, Thorer, Thoren, Thorn, Torr, Thorr, Thorre and many more.
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Early Notables of the Thur family
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Thur Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Thur family
Austria was made a republic after the First World War. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken up by the Treaty of Versailles and many of its people found themselves in the new nation of Czechoslovakia. Many other Austrians and expatriate Austrians made their way to North America in the 20th century. Most landed in Philadelphia, later continuing on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Some Austrian settlers also went to western Canada and Ontario. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Thur or a variant listed above: Johann Friedrich Thor, who came to Philadelphia in 1743.
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