Show ContentsBartram History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished family surname Bartram originated in the lands which eventually became the German state of Prussia. This state was known for its majestic landscape, its rapid industrial growth, its military power, and for its contributions to European culture. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia. The Bartram family emerged in Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Early Origins of the Bartram family

The surname Bartram was first found in Prussia, where the name Bertram made a great early contribution to the feudal society of early Europe. The name Bertram became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses where family members continued to play important roles in the savage tribal and national conflicts which resulted as each group sought to maximize its power and status in an ever changing territorial profile.

Early History of the Bartram family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bartram research. Another 191 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1686, 1687, 1716, 1739, 1789, 1792, 1823 and 1840 are included under the topic Early Bartram History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bartram Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Bartram include Bertram, Berttram, Bertramm, Bertrame, Bertramme, Berttramm, Berttrame, Bartram, Baertram, Barttram, Baerttram, Bartramm, Baertramm, Bartrame, Baertrame, Bartramme, Baertramme, Barttramm, Baerttramm, Barttrame and many more.

Early Notables of the Bartram family

Notable figures of the time with the name Bartram were

  • Carl Friedrich Theodor Betram ennobled in 1840. William Bartram (1739-1823), American naturalist, explorer and writer

Bartram Ranking

In the United States, the name Bartram is the 16,254th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1


United States Bartram migration to the United States +

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Bartram were

Bartram Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • John Bartram, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1654
Bartram Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • William Bartram, who arrived in North Carolina in 1740

Australia Bartram migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Bartram Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Lewis Bartram, English convict who was convicted in Bedford, Bedfordshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Emperor Alexander"on 6th April 1833, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 2
  • George Bartram, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Theresa" in 1847 3
  • Josiah Bartram, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Constitution" in 1851 4

New Zealand Bartram 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:

Bartram Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Arthur Charles Bartram, (b. 1860), aged Infant, English settler, from Staffordshire travelling from Bristol aboard the ship "Rhea Sylvia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 2nd May 1861 5
  • Mrs. Elizabeth Bartram, (b. 1832), aged 29, English settler, from Warwickshire travelling from Bristol aboard the ship "Rhea Sylvia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 2nd May 1861 5
  • Mr. David William Bartram, (b. 1834), aged 27, English carpenter, from Staffordshire travelling from Bristol aboard the ship "Rhea Sylvia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 2nd May 1861 5
  • Miss Mary Elizabeth Bartram, (b. 1859), aged 2, English settler, from Staffordshire travelling from Bristol aboard the ship "Rhea Sylvia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 2nd May 1861 5
  • Hannah Bartram, aged 26, a domestic servant, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Adamant" in 1874 6
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Bartram (post 1700) +

  • Kenny Bartram (b. 1978), American motocross rider
  • John Bartram (1699-1777), American botanist
  • William Bartram (1739-1823), American naturalist, explorer, and writer
  • John Bowman Bartram (b. 1910), American pediatrician/hospital administrator
  • Mr. Kevin Stuart Bartram M.B.E., British Captain of the Corps of Royal Engineers, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire on 29th December 2018 7
  • Vince Bartram (b. 1968), English footballer
  • Tracy Bartram (b. 1959), Australian comedian, radio personality and jazz singer
  • Sam Bartram (1914-1981), English footballer
  • Clint Bartram (b. 1988), Australian footballer
  • Paul Bartram Dague (1898-1974), American Republican politician, Chester County Sheriff, 1944-46; U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania 9th District, 1947-67 8


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 11th April 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/emperor-alexander
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) THERESA 1847. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1847Theresa.htm
  4. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) CONSTITUTION 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Constitution.htm
  5. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  6. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  7. "Birthday and New Year Honours Lists (1940 to 2019)." Issue 62507, 28 December 2018 | London Gazette, The Gazette, Dec. 2018, www.thegazette.co.uk/honours-lists
  8. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 12) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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