Berkinshaw History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Early Origins of the Berkinshaw family

The surname Berkinshaw was first found in Lanarkshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Lannraig) a former county in the central Strathclyde region of Scotland, now divided into the Council Areas of North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, and the City of Glasgow, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Berkinshaw family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berkinshaw research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the year 1529 is included under the topic Early Berkinshaw History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berkinshaw Spelling Variations

The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Berkinshaw has appeared as Birkenshaw, Birkinshaw, Birkshaw, Burdenshaw and others.

Early Notables of the Berkinshaw family

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

Migration of the Berkinshaw family to Ireland

Some of the Berkinshaw family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Berkinshaw family

As the persecution of Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: Richard Burchenshaw settled in Virginia in 1642.