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![Show Contents]() Billeclyf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The name Billeclyf is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in the village of Bilcliff, in the West Riding of the county of Yorkshire. The name of that place is derived from the Old English word bil, which originally referred to a sword or halberd. Early Origins of the Billeclyf familyThe surname Billeclyf was first found in Yorkshire, where one of the first records of the name was Thomas de Billeclyf who was listed there in 1308. Later, John Bilclif was listed in Yorkshire in 1617. 1 A very learned family, the Register of the University of Oxford has two early listings: Thomas Bilclif,1581; and Thomas Bilcliffe, Berkshire, 1615. 2 Early History of the Billeclyf familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Billeclyf research. Another 236 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1308, 1500, 1615, 1617, 1661, 1663, 1668, 1788 and 1793 are included under the topic Early Billeclyf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Billeclyf Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Billeclyf has been spelled many different ways, including Billcliffe, Bilcliffe, Billcliff, Bilcliff, Billeclyf, Bilclif and many more. Early Notables of the Billeclyf familyNotables of this surname at this time include: - Thomas de Billeclyf, a prominent 14th century landholder in Yorkshire...
Migration of the Billeclyf familyThousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Billeclyfs to arrive in North America: a number of settlers who arrived by the 19th century.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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