Burfithy History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the name Burfithy date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The surname is generally thought to have come from a place name, such as from Burford in Oxfordshire, or Burford in Shropshire. 1 These place names are derived from the Old English words "burh," meaning "stronghold," or a "fortified manor," and "ford," a location where a river can be crossed. Some variations of this surname, no doubt come from the Old French word "buffet," meaning "table" or "cupboard." 2 Early Origins of the Burfithy familyThe surname Burfithy was first found in Shropshire where two of the first listings of the family were listed there in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273: Hugo de Bureford: and Roger de Bureford. 3 William le Burford and Walter le Boreforde were both listed in Kirby's Quest as holding lands in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III.) 4 Early History of the Burfithy familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Burfithy research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1329 and 1620 are included under the topic Early Burfithy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Burfithy Spelling VariationsUntil 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 Burfithy include Burford, Bareford, Berford, Barford, Buford, Burfort and many more. Early Notables of the Burfithy familyMore information is included under the topic Early Burfithy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Burfithy family to IrelandSome of the Burfithy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Burfithy familyThousands 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 Burfithy were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: William Burford, who came to Virginia in 1637; William Buffett, who was on record in Virginia in 1657; George Burford settled in Virginia in 1643; George Burford, who came to Montserrat in 1663.
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