Barwel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England
• Ireland

Etymology of Barwel

When the ancestors of the Barwel family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Leicestershire in the midlands of England. A parish in this area bears the name Barwellwith a population today of about 6,300. The family derives their name from this location. The name Barwell is composed of the Old English elements bar, meaning wild boar, and well, which means well or stream.

Early Origins of the Barwel family

Early History of the Barwel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barwel research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1639 and 1912 are included under the topic Early Barwel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barwel Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Barwel has been recorded under many different variations, including Barwell, Barwick, Berwell, Barwel, Berwel, Berwelle and many more.

Early Notables of the Barwel family

• John Barwell of Garradon

Migration of the Barwel family to Ireland

Some of the Barwel family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Barwel family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Barwels were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: John Barwell who settled in New England in 1678; Elizabeth Barwell settled in Maryland in 1774; William Barwell arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1833.