The present generation of the Bernin family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived in any of the various places called Burnham in Buckinghamshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, or Suffolk. These place names derive from the Old English words burna or stream, and ham, or homestead.
Loading...
Early Origins of the Bernin family
The surname Bernin was first found in Herefordshire 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.
Loading...
Early History of the Bernin family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bernin research. Another 49 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1619 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Bernin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Bernin Spelling Variations
Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Bernin include Burnham, Burnam and others.
Loading...
Early Notables of the Bernin family
More information is included under the topic Early Bernin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Migration of the Bernin family
Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Bernin were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Thomas Burnham, who came to Barbados in 1635; William Burnham, who arrived at St. Christopher in 1635; John Burnham, who arrived in Virginia in 1643; Thomas Burnham who settled in Hartford, Conn. in 1649, beginning a distinguished line in America.
England
