Byrnass is one of the proud Scottish names to come from the Strathclyde clans of the Scottish/English Borderlands. It is derived from the personal name Burnhouse, derived from the words burn, meaning "stream," and house, meaning a house.
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Early Origins of the Byrnass family
The surname Byrnass was first found in Cumberland, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.
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Early History of the Byrnass family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Byrnass research. Another 138 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1495 and 1560 are included under the topic Early Byrnass History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Byrnass Spelling Variations
The many spelling variations in Medieval Scottish names result from the fact that scribes in that era spelled words according to sound. Translation too, was an undeveloped science, and many names were altered into complete obscurity. Over the years Byrnass has been spelled Burness, Burnes, Burnace, Burnice, Burnhouse, Burnshead, Burnish, Burnist, Bernis and many more.
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Early Notables of the Byrnass family
More information is included under the topic Early Byrnass Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Byrnass family to Ireland
Some of the Byrnass 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.
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Migration of the Byrnass family
To escape the uncertainties and discrimination faced in Scotland, many decided to head out for North America. Once they arrived, many Scots fought with relish in the American War of Independence; some went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Many ancestors of these Scots have recovered their lost national heritage in the 20th century through Clan organizations and Scottish historical societies. Among the settlers to North America were: William Burnhouse settled in Virginia in 1623; Margaret Burness, who settled in East New Jersey in 1685; James Burness, who settled in America in 1815.
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.
Ireland
Scotland
