Frewin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Frewin is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from a baptismal nameFrewen. Baptismal names began to appear as surnames relatively late in the growth of the naming tradition. This is a little surprising, given the popularity of biblical figures in the Christian countries of Europe. Nevertheless, surnames derived from baptismal names grew in popularity during the Middle Ages, and have become one of the foremost sources for surnames.

Early Origins of the Frewin family

The surname Frewin was first found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 where William Frewyn, Sussex; and Ralph Frewyne, Oxfordshire were both listed as holding at that time. 1

"Several tenants prior to the Domesday Book bore it, as Frauuin, in Sussex, Frauuinus, in Devonshire, and Freowinus, in Suffolk. Its Anglo-Saxon form is Freawin, signifying 'dear or devoted to Frea.' " 2

Early History of the Frewin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Frewin research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1062, 1430, 1473, 1543, 1558, 1583, 1588, 1592, 1612, 1628, 1629, 1660, 1664, 1681, 1693, 1698 and 1761 are included under the topic Early Frewin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Frewin Spelling Variations

Frewin has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Frewin have been found, including Frewen, Frewin, Frewyn and others.

Early Notables of the Frewin family

Distinguished members of the family include

Richard Frewin, M.D. (1681-1761), was an English physician and professor of history at Oxford. He was the son of Ralph Frewin of London, was admitted king's scholar at Westminster in 1693, and elected...

Migration of the Frewin family to Ireland

Some of the Frewin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 53 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Frewin migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Frewins to arrive on North American shores:

Frewin Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Thomas and Mary Frewin, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1774

Frewin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

James Frewin, who arrived in Savanna(h), Georgia in 1823 3
Sarah Frewin, aged 20, who landed in America from Queenstown, in 1892
John Frewin, aged 23, who immigrated to the United States from Mitchelstown, in 1893
Brid. Frewin, aged 25, who immigrated to the United States from Mitchelstown, in 1893

Frewin Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

George Frewin, aged 59, who landed in America from London, England, in 1907
Harrison Frewin, aged 44, who landed in America from London, England, in 1909
Harriette Victoria Frewin, aged 35, who immigrated to America from London, England, in 1922

Contemporary Notables of the name Frewin (post 1700) +

Richard Frewin M.D. (1681-1761), English physician and professor of history at Oxford University
Greg Frewin (b. 1967), Canadian illusionist

The Frewin 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: Mutare non est meum
Motto Translation: It is not my nature to change.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)