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The family claim descent from "one of the 'Tribes of Galway' though first settled in Co. Wexford. The name is derived from the Latin fraxinus, [meaning] ash tree." 1
The surname Frenchs was first found in Devon. They were descendants of Theophilus de France who accompanied William the Conqueror into England in 1066. Robert Fitz-Stephen de France accompanied Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, on his invasion of Ireland.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Frenchs research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1274, 1329, 1489, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1582, 1583, 1602, 1604, 1616, 1637, 1650, 1651, 1657, 1666, 1678, 1693 and 1713 are included under the topic Early Frenchs History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Medieval scribes and church officials spelled the names as they sounded, so a name was often spelled many different ways during the lifetime of a single person. The investigation of the origin of the name Frenchs revealed many spelling variations including French, Frenche and others.
Notable amongst the family up to this time was Seán an tSalainn French (1489-1546), member of one of The Tribes of Galway, Mayor of Galway (1538 to 1539); Robuck French fitz John, (died 1602), Mayor of Galway (1582-1583); Nicholas French (1604-1678), Roman Catholic Bishop of Ferns; John French (1616-1657), an English physician known for his contributions to chemistry and in particular to distillation, English translator of...
Another 66 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Frenchs Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape the horrific conditions. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Frenchs: Alice French who settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630; along with Dorcas; Elizabeth French settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1635; along with Francis.