Show ContentsFreeyke History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Freeyke family

The surname Freeyke was first found in Norfolk where Richard de la Fryth was recorded in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 in Norfolk. 1 Another source lists John atte Frithe in Norfolk but no date is given. 2

Later, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed Thomas atte Fryth. 1

"Robert Firth was the name of two mayors of Doncaster [Yorkshire] in the reigns of Henry VII. and Henry VIII., and the name is still in the town." 3

Further to the north in Scotland where most people claim descent, "there is a place named Firth near Lilliesleaf, Roxburghshire." 4 The name of this town in turn comes from the ancient word "firth" meaning "bay."

Early History of the Freeyke family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Freeyke research. Another 169 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1522, 1565, 1606 and 1630 are included under the topic Early Freeyke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Freeyke Spelling Variations

The name, Freeyke, occurred in many references, and from time to time, it was spelt Firth, Fyrth, Firthe, Firths and others.

Early Notables of the Freeyke family

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

Migration of the Freeyke family

The New World beckoned settlers from the Scottish-English borders. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Among the early settlers bearing the Freeyke surname who came to North America were: Isaac Firth who landed in America in 1698; Elizabeth Firth settled in Maryland in 1722; George Firth settled in Nova Scotia in 1774; Albert, B.G. Barker, Charles, Daniel, Greenwood, Henry, James, John, Joseph, Richard, Samuel, Thomas and William Firth, all settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1805 and 1874. In Newfoundland, Gideon Firth settled in Harbour Grace in 1771.



The Freeyke Motto +

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.

Motto: Deus incrementum dedit
Motto Translation: God has given increase.


  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. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
  3. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  4. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook