Benzie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany
Italy

Etymology of Benzie

What does the name Benzie mean?

Medieval Austria is the ancient homeland of the Benzie family. Austria, which was originally home to a Celtic people, was conquered by the Roman Empire in about 15 BC Following the fall of Rome, Austria was repeatedly invaded by barbarian tribes, such as the Vandals, Visigoths, and Huns, who swept in from the east. During the 5th and 6th centuries, the Alemanni, Avars and Slavs settled Austria. The Avars were defeated in 785 by the Frankish Emperor Charlemagne, who set up the East Mark, which later became known as the Österreich. Austria was ruled by the Babenburger dynasty until 1278, when they were succeeded by the Hapsburg dynasty, which ruled Austria until the 20th century.

Early Origins of the Benzie family

The surname Benzie was first found in Austria, where the name was closely identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs.

Early History of the Benzie family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benzie research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1766 and 1839 are included under the topic Early Benzie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Benzie Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Benzie include Benz, Benns, Bennze, Benze, Bennse, Bense, Bensz and others.

Early Notables of the Benzie family

Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Benzie Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Benzie migration to Canada +

After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians 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 Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Benzie were

Benzie Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Margaret Benzie, who settled in Ontario in 1871

Benzie 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:

Benzie Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Charles Benzie, aged 19, a labourer, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Adamant" in 1874 1

Sources +

New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html