The Freie surname comes from the Middle High German word "vri," meaning "free," and as a name, it referred to a free man, as opposed to a bondsman or serf in the feudal system.
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Early Origins of the Freie family
The surname Freie was first found in Bavaria, where the name Frey came from humble beginnings but eventually gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the region's medieval society. The family later became more prominent as many branches of the family acquired distant estates which elevated in turn their social status.
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Early History of the Freie family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Freie research. Another 54 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1855 and 1920 are included under the topic Early Freie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Freie 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 Freie include Frey, Freye, Frei, Freie, Frie, Fraie, Vrey, Vreye, Vrei, Vreie and many more.
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Early Notables of the Freie family
More information is included under the topic Early Freie Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Freie family
Between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries, German settlers arrived in North America by the thousands. Persecution based on religion and poverty were great motivators in this large-scale migration. So too was the opportunity for tenant farmers to own their own land. Ample land and opportunity awaited the settlers who went to such states as Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, as well as Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Freie or a variant listed above: John Frie, who settled in New England in 1638; Anna Barbara Frey, who arrived in New York City with her two children in 1709; Hans Ulrich Frie, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1729.
Germany
