Berkewold History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancient roots of the Berkewold family name are in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The name Berkewold comes from when the family lived near a stand of birch trees. Further research showed the name was derived from the Old English word birce, meaning birch. Early Origins of the Berkewold familyThe surname Berkewold was first found in Yorkshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times. Early History of the Berkewold familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berkewold research. Another 147 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1177, 1332, 1342, 1349, 1369, 1608 and 1616 are included under the topic Early Berkewold History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Berkewold Spelling VariationsOne relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Berkewold has appeared include Birchwood, Berchwood, Birchwoode, Birchwude, Birchewode and many more. Early Notables of the Berkewold familyMore information is included under the topic Early Berkewold Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Berkewold familyAt this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Berkewold arrived in North America very early: a number of settlers who arrived by the 19th century.
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