First found in Kent where they were seated from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Many English families left England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the Origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Roots or a variant listed above: Josia Root, who came to Salem in 1630; Thomas and Richard; and Mary and Ralph Root, who all arrived in Boston in 1635; Mary Roote, who settled in New England in 1635.

For more information on the last name Roots, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.