Thederich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Thederich

What does the name Thederich mean?

The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Thederich. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known as Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Thederich family.

Early Origins of the Thederich family

The surname Thederich was first found in Prussia, where the family was anciently associated with the political and religious conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. The family founded numerous branches, many of which acquired manors and estates in surrounding regions, where they contributed to the prosperity of their society. The name was made famous during the Middle Ages through the folk hero Dietrich von Bern, and the Dietrich-sagas which stem from the life of the Gothic King Theoderich the Great. The prefix "ded," "did," "died," "diet," or "diot" means people, nation, or folk, while the ending "Reich" means realm.

Early History of the Thederich family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thederich research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1816 and 1817 are included under the topic Early Thederich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thederich Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Thederich include Dederich, Dederick, Dedereich, Dederichs, Dedericks, Dedereichs, Dedrich, Dedrick, Dedreich, Diederich, Diederick, Diedereich, Diederichs, Diedericks, Diedereichs, Didrich, Didrick, Didreich, Dhederich, Dhederick, Dhedereich, Thederich, Thederick and many more.

Early Notables of the Thederich family

Notable figures of the time with the name Thederich were Christoph Leopold Diederichs, who was the justice advisor and member of the state council of Prussia. Carl Anton Diederichs was the city director to Herford. Bernhard Carl Diederichs was president of...
Another 40 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Thederich Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Thederich family

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Thederichs to arrive in North America, and among them were: Hans Diederick, who arrived in New York City with his wife Grietje Warnaerts Diederick in 1664. Conrad, Anna Margreta, Anna Maria, Catarenia, Elizabeth, and Maria Christina Dederich in came to America in 1789.