Berberich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Berberich has a rich and ancient history. It is an Anglo-Saxon name that was originally derived from a baptismal name meaning son of Barbara. 1 In some instances, the name may have also been a nickname for someone, such as a Moor or Berber, who appeared to be of North African heritage. In such a case the name is a reference to the Barbary Coast of North Africa.

Another source notes that the name may be Norman in origin as he notes that "Barberi, famous of Old Forits Abbey (1170), is a parish near Falaise, in Normandy." 2

Early Origins of the Berberich family

The surname Berberich was first found in London, where the BarBerry spelling was the most popular. Late marriage records show: William Grosse and Barbery Marbeck were married at St. Antholin (London) in 1581. (Note the use as a forename) Helline, daughter of Henrie Barbery, was buried at St. James, Clerkenwell in 1609. Barbery, daughter of Jeremiah and Barbery Bird married at St. Mary Aldermary in 1696 and Francis Lee and Catherine Barberry were married at St. James, Clerkenwell in 1715. 1

Early History of the Berberich family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berberich research. Another 203 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1500, 1609, 1674, 1692 and 1715 are included under the topic Early Berberich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berberich Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Berberich include Barberry, Barbary, Barbery, Barberrie, Baberie, Berberry and many more.

Early Notables of the Berberich family

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

Berberich migration to the United States +

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants:

Berberich Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Johan Philip Berberich, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1753 3

Berberich Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Mr. Casper Berberich, aged 56, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Washington"
Mrs. Carolina Berberich, aged 20, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Washington"
Mr. Charles Berberich, aged 18, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Washington"
Herman Berberich, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1872 3
Julius Berberich, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1876 3

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)