Churcheyard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Churcheyard is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in or near the precincts of a church. Churcheyard belongs to the large class of Anglo-Saxon topographic surnames, which were given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree.

Early Origins of the Churcheyard family

The surname Churcheyard was first found in Staffordshire, where one of the first records of the name was John atte Chircheyerde who was listed there in 1298.

Early History of the Churcheyard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Churcheyard research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1332, 1379, 1520, 1604, 1606 and 1631 are included under the topic Early Churcheyard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Churcheyard Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Churcheyard has been spelled many different ways, including Churchyard, Churchard, Chircheyerde, Kirkeyerde, Cykarth, Cyrkarth, Kirkeyerd and many more.

Early Notables of the Churcheyard family

Distinguished members of the family include Thomas Churchyard (1520-1604), a prominent English author from Shrewsbury. "In his youth was attached to the household of the famous Earl of Surrey, whose memory he fondly cherished throughout his long life. He commenced his literary career when Edward VI...
Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Churcheyard Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Churcheyard family to Ireland

Some of the Churcheyard 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 Churcheyard family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Churcheyards to arrive in North America: Thomas Churchyard who sailed to Virginia in 1654.