Show ContentsOsbirn Surname History

The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Scotland were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Scottish patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. The surname Osbirn is derived from the Old Norse personal name Asbjorn, meaning divine bear. Alternatively the name was Anglicized as Osbeorn and Osbern from the Old English word "be(o)rn" which meant "god warrior." Osbernus was presbyter in record (1097-1107), and Osbern was capellanus (chaplain) from 1107 to 1124. Osbernus was abbot of Jaddewurd, (c. 1150) and Osbern was capellanus of Glasgow, c. 1180. 1

Early Origins of the Osbirn family

The surname Osbirn was first found in Kent, where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity seated as Lords of the manor of Hartlip. They were descended from Sarum in Normandy, Osborne was expelled from Normandy in 1054 by King William. He sought refuge at the Court of MacBeth in Scotland, however he made his peace with William after the Conquest and was elected Bishop of Sarum and became one of only three people permitted to dine at the King's Table.

Early History of the Osbirn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Osbirn research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1160, 1180, 1398, 1399, 1513, 1596, 1639, 1648, 1649, 1656, 1667, 1671, 1685, 1715, 1730 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Osbirn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Osbirn Spelling Variations

The frequent translations of surnames from and into Gaelic, accounts for the multitude of spelling variations found in Scottish surnames. Furthermore, the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent because medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules. The different versions of a surname, such as the inclusion of the patronymic prefix "Mac", frequently indicated a religious or Clan affiliation, or even a division of the family. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into Scotland, accelerating accentuating the alterations to various surnames. The name Osbirn has also been spelled Osborne, Osborn, Osbourne, Osbourn, Osburn, Osburne, Osbern and many more.

Early Notables of the Osbirn family

More information is included under the topic Early Osbirn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Osbirn family to Ireland

Some of the Osbirn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 132 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Osbirn family

Some of the first North American settlers with Osbirn name or one of its variants: Richard Osborn settled in Barbados in 1634; Thomas Osborn settled in Virginia in 1623; Edward, George, John, Joseph, Mary, William Osborn all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.



  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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