Birnye History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The ancestors of bearers of the Birnye family name are thought to have come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. The name is derived from the place name Brennath, in Moray The village of Birnie was originally called Brenuth, from "brae-nut," which means "hazel trees." Natives of Birnie, using a local dialect, also called the village "Burn-nigh," which means near the burn river. This local name, particularly in medieval times, is prefixed by 'de', which means '"from."

Early Origins of the Birnye family

The surname Birnye was first found in Elginshire a former county in northeastern Scotland, in the present day Scottish Council Area of Moray, Scotland, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Birnye family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Birnye research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1261 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Birnye History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Birnye Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Birnie, Birney, Birny, Birnye, Byrnye, Byrny, Berney, Birne, Byrne, McBirny, McBirnie, McBurny, McBurnie and many more.

Early Notables of the Birnye family

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

Migration of the Birnye family to Ireland

Some of the Birnye 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 Birnye family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: William Birnie who settled in Philadelphia in 1811; David Birney settled in Philadelphia in 1840; William McBerney settled in New York State in 1804; James McBirney settled in Philadelphia in 1844.

The Birnye 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: Sapere aude, incipe
Motto Translation: Dare to be wise, begin at once.