Barnakell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The ancestors of the name Barnakell date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in Warwickshire, where they took their name from the hamlet of Barnacle in the parish of Bulkington, six miles from Coventry. 1

Early Origins of the Barnakell family

The surname Barnakell was first found in Warwickshire at Barnacle, a hamlet, in the parish of Bulkington, union of Nuneaton, Kirby division of the hundred of Knightlow. 2 "It is mentioned in the Conqueror's survey, and is supposed to have anciently belonged to the family of Fitzwith." 2 At that time it was spelt Bernhangre. 3 The place name literally means "wooded slope by a barn," from the Old English words "bere-aern" + "hangra." 4

Early History of the Barnakell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barnakell research. Another 215 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1344, 1500 and 1545 are included under the topic Early Barnakell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barnakell Spelling Variations

Barnakell has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Barnakell have been found, including Barnacle, Barnicle, Bernicle, Barnackle, Barnackell, Barnaucle and many more.

Early Notables of the Barnakell family

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

Migration of the Barnakell family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Barnakells to arrive on North American shores: John Barnacle who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1772.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)