Birkill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Birkill is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in one of two towns called Birchill in the counties of Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Alternatively the family could have originated in the parish of Bircholt, in the union of East Ashford, franchise and barony of Bircholt, lathe of Shepway, E. division of Kent. 1 2

Early Origins of the Birkill family

The surname Birkill was first found in Cheshire, where John de Birchall de Birtles, of Gawsworth was first recorded in 1401. Later the Wills at Chester included entries for Richard Birchall, of Parr, webster, 1581; James Birchall, of Winwick; 1591; and Geoffrey Birchall, of Croft, in Winwick, 1614. 3

Early East Cheshire records show John de Birchall de Birtles, of Gawsworth, Cheshire, but no date is given. The Source Wills at Chester includes entries for Richard Birchall, of Parr, webster, 1581; James Birchall, of Winwick; 1591; and Geoffrey Birchall, of Croft, in Winwick, 1614. 3

Early History of the Birkill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Birkill research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1778, 1784 and 1805 are included under the topic Early Birkill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Birkill Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Birkill were recorded, including Birchall, Birchill, Birchalls, Birchills and many more.

Early Notables of the Birkill family

Distinguished members of the family include Robert Birchall, a London music-publisher said to have been apprenticed to Randall, the successor of Walsh who established a musical circulating library about 1784. Prior to which, he had been associated in business with Beardmore and also with Andrewes, successively at 129...
Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Birkill Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Birkill family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Birkill family emigrate to North America: Henry Birchall who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1824; Thomas Walmsley Birchall arrived in Philadelphia in 1835; Elias Birchall in 1845; William Birchall in 1852.

The Birkill Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Quaerere verum
Motto Translation: To seek the truth.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)