The German state of Bavaria
is the ancestral home of the Behrli family. Behrli is a local
name, first used as a surname for someone who lived in Bavaria
, where the family possessed vast estates and resided in an elegant feudal
manor. During the Middle Ages, the Behrli family became a part of the landed aristocracy and wielded considerable prestige and influence in the region. The Behrli family expanded into other parts of the German territories after the 16th century. Following the general pattern of great European migration, and specific interests in military, political and religious occupations, bearers of the name relocated and prospered in numerous different regions on the European continent. The family became a prominent contributor to the development of ancient Bavarian towns such as Rothenburg.
Early Origins of the Behrli family
The surname Behrli was first found in Bavaria
, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the towns such as Rothenburg from ancient times. 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.
Early History of the Behrli family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Behrli research.Another 151 words (11 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Behrli History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Behrli 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 Behrli include Berl, Berle, Berler, Behrle, Behrli, Berlere and many more.
Early Notables of the Behrli family (pre 1700)
Another 23 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Behrli Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Behrli family to the New World and Oceana
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 Behrlis to arrive in North America, and among them were: Jan Berler, who came to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1795; and Erasmus Behrle came to the same city in 1865.