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Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Birtel is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in either the settlement of Birtle in the county of Lancashire or the settlement of Birtles in the county of Cheshire. The names of these places are derived from the Old English word bridd, meaning young bird or nestling, and indicates that the places were originally known as nesting grounds for birds.
The surname Birtel was first found in Cheshire at Birtles, a township, in the parish of Prestbury, union and hundred of Macclesfield. "Birtles Hall and demesne belonged for many generations to the Birtles family." 1
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Birtel research. Another 56 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1602 is included under the topic Early Birtel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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. Birtel has been spelled many different ways, including Birtles, Byrtles, Birchell, Birchells and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Birtel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 Birtels to arrive in North America: William Birchell who arrived in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1880.