This surname of LA BARGE is of Dutch, German and French origin, a locational name 'the dweller near a rocky mountain, or beside the bank of a river'. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land, and indicated where he actually lived. The name in Germany is spelt as Burg. Almost every city, town or village existing in the Middle Ages has served to name one or more families. Where a man lived was his means of identification. When a man left his birthplace or village where he had been known, and went elsewhere, people would likely refer to him by the name of his former residence or birthplace, or by the name of the land which he owned. The name is also spelt LE BERGE, BERG and BERGE. Originally the coat of arms identified the wearer, either in battle or in tournaments. Completely covered in body and facial armour the knight could be spotted and known by the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped garment which enveloped him. The Dutch language is most closely related to Low German, and its surnames have been influenced both by German and French naming practices. The preposition 'van' is found especially with habitation names, and the 'de' mainly with nicknames. The first hereditary surnames on German soil are found in the second half of the 12th century, slightly later than in England and France. However, it was not until the 16th century that they became stabilized. The practice of adopting hereditary surnames began in the southern areas of Germany, and gradually spread northwards during the Middle Ages. A notable member of the name was Alban Berg (1885-1935) the Austrian composer, born in Vienna. After service in the Austrian war ministry during World War I, he taught privately in Vienna. He is best known for his opera 'Wozzeck' (1925) his violin concerto, and the 'Lyric Suite' for string quartet. His unfinished opera 'Lulu' was posthumously produced. The eagle depicted in the crest is emblematical of fortitude and magnaminity of mind. The Romans used the figure of an eagle for their ensign, and their example has been often followed. It is the device of Russia, Austria, Germany and the United States of America. |
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