The Berigan family name dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name comes from when an early member worked as a servant at the manor house having derived from the Old English word buri, which refers to "a fortified manor house", and was used to denote someone who worked at such a house.
Alternatively, "this surname is derived from an occupation. 'the buryman,' i.e. boroughman, a man dwelling within the borough." [1]
The surname Berigan was first found in Hampshire, where Edricus Buriman was listed at Winton in 1148. Years later in Berkshire, Alexander Beriman was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1176. [2]
In Somerset, Robert Buryman and William Buryman were both listed there 1 Edward III, (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) [3]
A very learned family, scanning the Register of the University of Oxford, we found Samuel Beriman, or Berriman, Gloucestershire in 1587-1588 and Hugh Birriman, or Berriman, Somerset, 1615.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berigan research. Another 237 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1148, 1176, 1500, 1587, 1615, 1600, 1784, 1807, 1688, 1750, 1691, 1768, 1691, 1688, 1750, 1642, 1642 and 1642 are included under the topic Early Berigan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Berigan has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Berigan have been found, including Berryman, Berriman, Borowman, Buriman, Beriman, Buryman, Birriman, Borrowman and many more.
Distinguished members of the family include William Berriman (1688-1750), a prominent chaplain and writer.
John Berriman (1691-1768), was an English divine, born in 1691, was the son of John Berriman, a London apothecary, brother of William Berriman, D.D. (1688-1750), another English divine...
Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Berigan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Berigans to arrive on North American shores: