Surname Barloh - Meaning and Origin
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Barloh: What does the surname Barloh mean?
The last name Barloh is of Germanic origin and is thought to be derived from the word barl, which translates to “bearlike”. This could be an allusion to the strength and wisdom attributed to the bear, a common symbol in Germanic symbology. Alternatively, it could reference the abundance of bears in the forests of Germany during the Middle Ages.
The Barloh family were likely peasant farmers, living in rural parts of Germany and going by the nickname of Bärlin or Bärlein (“Little Bear”). In time, the family expanded and began to move from their home villages and settle in other parts of Europe.
Not much is known about the Barloh family until they appear in records from the 16th and 17th centuries. Many members of the family served in the Prussian navy and army during the Napoleonic wars. Others moved around Europe, settling in Switzerland, France, and other countries.
In modern times, the last name Barloh is found all over the world, but usually in places where Europeans have migrated. Much of the family's history has been lost over the centuries, but they remain a proud and hearty people. Those who still hold the name are reminded of the strength and courage of their ancestors, not to mention their strong connection to the land.
Order DNA origin analysisBarloh: Where does the name Barloh come from?
The surname Barloh is thought to have originated from the German region of Bavaria in the late medieval period, and is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. It is also known to be present in some parts of the United States, as well as a few other countries, due to emigration by German immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
In Germany, records show that the name is most prevalent in the state of Bavaria, where it is especially concentrated in the Upper Bavarian district of Fürsteneck.
The name has also spread to parts of the United States, with several variants documented, and it is often encountered in California, Minnesota, and Ohio. It is also present in Washington, D.C., as a result of immigrants from the Palatinate region. After settling in their new home, many of them changed the spelling of their name from Barloh to Barlow.
In addition, the Barlow name is known to be present in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, having been taken there by German and English settlers. There are also records of the name in South Africa, as many German immigrants settled in Cape Town during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Despite its relatively small presence in some countries, the Barlow name is still identifiable today, mainly in its German and English variants. It is a testament to the endurance of the Barlow families’ will to survive and restart in each new place where they settled.
Variations of the surname Barloh
The surname Barloh has multiple variants and spellings that may reflect different branches of the same family tree. While the most common spelling is Barloh, some variants include Barlow, Barrow, Berlow, Borough, Borlough, and Berlough.
The Barlows are an ancient English family that traces their origins back to Domesday Book in 1086, and their diverse branches can be found all over the British Isles and North America. In the south of England, branches of the family have been in Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset since the medieval period. There are also branches throughout the north of England including Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Durham.
In addition to the Barlows, the surname Barloh may also be related to the Brereton family from Cheshire, the Berry family from Somerset, and even to the Barrow family from Cumberland.
Some branches of the Barlow family can be found in North America from early 17th century, primarily in New England. Here, the spelling may have changed to Barrow and other variants; while these families may not be related to the Barlows by surname, they may still share common ancestors. The same applies for the Barrows in Canada, who may or may not be related to the Barlows; they could be a separate family, though they likely share some common heritage.
Overall, the surname Barloh has many variants and spellings that reflect its diverse branches, all of which share a common heritage. It is likely that all of these families, regardless of their spelling, are related at some level.
Famous people with the name Barloh
- Chris Bartholow: American professional bowler.
- Wladimir Barloh: Russian American entrepreneur and business executive.
- Joachim Barloh: German politician, lawyer and professor.
- Peter Bartholow: American physician known for his contributions in neurology.
- Emil Barloh: German cellist and composer.
- Alfred Barloh: German sculptor and painter.
- Gerd Barloh: German race car driver.
- Dominique Barloh-Hunger: French diver who set the world record in the 10-metre platform dive in 1987.
- Felix Barloh: German actor.
- Max Barloh: German journalist and author.