Bythesea History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Bythesea is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived by a watercourse or drain. The surname Bythesea is derived from the Old English word seoh, a Somerset word referring to inland lakes or pools.

Early Origins of the Bythesea family

The surname Bythesea was first found in Wiltshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Bythesea family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bythesea research. Another 181 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1590, 1598, 1642, 1645, 1672 and 1740 are included under the topic Early Bythesea History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bythesea Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Bythesea are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Bythesea include: Bythesea, Bythesee and others.

Early Notables of the Bythesea family

Distinguished members of the family include

John Bythesea, Mayor of Axbridge

Migration of the Bythesea family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Bythesea or a variant listed above: Jarvis Bythsea who settled in Delaware in 1675.

Contemporary Notables of the name Bythesea (post 1700) +

John Bythesea (1827-1906), English officer of the Royal Navy, recipient of the Victoria Cross

The Bythesea Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Mutare vel timere sperno
Motto Translation: I scorn to change or fear.