Show ContentsBassall History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Bassall

What does the name Bassall mean?

Bassall is a name that dates far back into the mists of early British history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is derived from Basile, which means royal. There is some disagreement about this name's origin. While the Anglo-Saxon reference is strong, there is strong evidence that the name could have been derived from the name Bezilles, from Biszeilles in Flanders. In this case, the name could have landed in England and settled in Berkshire where the local Besselsleigh was their ancient homestead.

Early Origins of the Bassall family

The surname Bassall was first found in the West Riding of Yorkshire in Bashall-Eaves, a township, in the parish of Mitton, union of Clitheroe, W. division of the wapentake of Staincliffe and Ewcross. "This place has been variously designated Beckshalgh, Batsalve, Bakesholf, and Bashalll; but the first orthography is the true one, viz., Beckshalgh, or 'the hill by the brooks,' which agrees precisely with its situation: in Domesday Book it is styled Baschelf. " 1

Early History of the Bassall family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bassall research. Another 221 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1219, 1251, 1273, 1500, 1674 and 1675 are included under the topic Early Bassall History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bassall Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Bassall are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Bassall include: Basile, Bassil, Basil, Basill, Bassal, Basall, Basilie, Basille, Bazill, Bazil and many more.

Early Notables of the Bassall family

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

Migration of the Bassall family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Bassall or a variant listed above: Winnefred Basil who arrived in Boston in 1849.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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