Berigan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

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

Early Origins of the Berigan family

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.

Early History of the Berigan family

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, 1600, 1615, 1642, 1688, 1691, 1750, 1768, 1784 and 1807 are included under the topic Early Berigan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berigan Spelling Variations

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.

Early Notables of the Berigan family

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.

Berigan migration to Canada +

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:

Berigan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Honors Berigan, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1829

Contemporary Notables of the name Berigan (post 1700) +

Rowland Bernard "Bunny" Berigan (1909-1942), American jazz trumpeter who rose to fame during the Swing Era
Beth Berigan, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Texas, 2004 4

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)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 4) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html