Show ContentsBirkells History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Birkells comes from the family having resided in either the settlement of Birtle in the county of Lancashire or the settlement of Birtles in the county of Cheshire. The names of these places are derived from the Old English word bridd, meaning young bird or nestling, and indicates that the places were originally known as nesting grounds for birds.

Early Origins of the Birkells family

The surname Birkells was first found in Cheshire at Birtles, a township, in the parish of Prestbury, union and hundred of Macclesfield. "Birtles Hall and demesne belonged for many generations to the Birtles family." 1

Early History of the Birkells family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Birkells research. Another 56 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1602 is included under the topic Early Birkells History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Birkells Spelling Variations

Birkells 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. Spelling variants included: Birtles, Byrtles, Birchell, Birchells and others.

Early Notables of the Birkells family

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

Ireland Migration of the Birkells family to Ireland

Some of the Birkells family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Birkells 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 Birkellss to arrive on North American shores: William Birchell who arrived in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1880.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook