Show ContentsBordwine History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Bordwine is a name that was formed by the Anglo-Saxon society of old Britain. The name was thought to have been used for someone who once worked as a maker of bows. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word bowyere.

Early Origins of the Bordwine family

The surname Bordwine was first found in Sussex, where Richard Bordwreghte was registered in 1332. Early in the family's history they branched to Yorkshire, where Johannes Bordwrygt and Robertus Burdewryth were both registered in 1379. 1

Early History of the Bordwine family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bordwine research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) covering the year 1500 is included under the topic Early Bordwine History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bordwine 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 Bordwine include Boardwright, Boardright, Bordwreghte, Bordwrygt and many more.

Early Notables of the Bordwine family

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

Migration of the Bordwine 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 Bordwine were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: H. Boatwright, who arrived at Ellis Island in 1903; Edward Boatwright, aged 36, who arrived at Ellis Island from Bethworth, England in 1922; and F. W. Boatwright, who arrived at Ellis Island in 1892..


Contemporary Notables of the name Bordwine (post 1700) +

  • Joseph Bordwine (d. 1835), American-born, English professor at Addiscombe, London 2
  • Keys S. Bordwine (1886-1957), American Democratic Party politician, Member of Virginia State House of Delegates, 1950-55


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Wikisource contributors. "Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900." Wikisource . Wikisource , 4 Jun. 2018. Web. 5 Feb. 2019


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