Burforthy History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the name Burforthy 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 Burforthy familyThe surname Burforthy 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 Burforthy familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Burforthy research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1329 and 1620 are included under the topic Early Burforthy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Burforthy Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Burforthy are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Burforthy include: Burford, Bareford, Berford, Barford, Buford, Burfort and many more. Early Notables of the Burforthy familyMore information is included under the topic Early Burforthy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Burforthy family to IrelandSome of the Burforthy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Burforthy familyMany English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Burforthy or a variant listed above: 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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