Show ContentsThirsk History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Thirsk family

The surname Thirsk was first found in Yorkshire at Thirsk where the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands of Thirsk, held by Hugh Fitzbaldric, a Norman noble who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. "The name of this place is supposed to be derived from Tre Isk, two ancient British words signifying a town and river or brook. A strong castle was erected here about 979." 1

Early History of the Thirsk family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thirsk research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1185 and 1219 are included under the topic Early Thirsk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thirsk Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Thirsk, Thresk, Trask, Tresch, Trasch, Tresk and many more.

Early Notables of the Thirsk family

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


New Zealand Thirsk migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Thirsk Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • George Thirsk, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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