Bankers History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Bankers

What does the name Bankers mean?

The origins of the Bankers name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in Oxfordshire. The name is thought to be descriptive of someone who lived near a bank, or an area of raised ground, and is derived from the Old English word, benche, of the same meaning, although this derivation and meaning are by no means certain. Another source claims the "surname is derived from an official title. 'the bencher,' the banker.' Very early instances of some office in legal or exchequer matters." 1

Early Origins of the Bankers family

The surname Bankers was first found in Oxfordshire, where one of the first records of the family appeared in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 as Roger de Bencher. The Writs of Parliament in 1298 list Robert le Banker and John le Bancker (London) in 1300. 1

Another source claims that Cheshire is the first place of origin as Albrice le Baunker was listed there in the Feet of Fines of 1245. Later, Thomas Bankar was listed in Northumberland in 1358. 2

Early History of the Bankers family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bankers research. Another 187 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1279, 1296, 1500, 1665, 1674, 1695, 1696, 1707, 1709 and 1734 are included under the topic Early Bankers History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bankers Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Bankers were recorded, including Bencher, Banker, Benchere, Buncher, Benchaire and many more.

Early Notables of the Bankers family

Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bankers Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bankers family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Bankers family emigrate to North America: William Banker who arrived in New York in 1822.

Sources +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)