Barward History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Barward

What does the name Barward mean?

The name Barward is derived from the Old English words "bere, weard," and literally means "keeper of the bear." 1 Another source postulates that as an occupational name, it was known as bearward, "the keeper of a bear for exhibition of tricks; one who travels from place to place with a bear." 2

Early Origins of the Barward family

The surname Barward was first found in Cambridgeshire, where Fulk le Bereward was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1208. Later Stephen Bereward was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1275 and in London, Edward Bereward was listed there in 1356. 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had only one entry for the family, that of Michael le Bereward in Huntingdonshire. 2

Early History of the Barward family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barward research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1208, 1273, 1275, 1356, 1369 and 1594 are included under the topic Early Barward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barward Spelling Variations

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. Barward has been spelled many different ways, including Bearward, Beareward, Berewood, Berewoode, Bereward, Barwarde, Bearwoode, Bearwood and many more.

Early Notables of the Barward family

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

Barward migration to the United States +

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 Barwards to arrive in North America:

Barward Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Harry Barward, who settled in Harris County, TX in 1886

Sources +

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