Bernass History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland
• Scotland

Etymology of Bernass

The Irish name Bernass was originally written in a Gaelic form as Ó Birn or Ó Beirn, from the Norse forename Bjorn. 1

Early Origins of the Bernass family

Early History of the Bernass family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bernass research. Another 162 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1747, 1748, 1789, 1812, 1823, 1850, 1853 and 1887 are included under the topic Early Bernass History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bernass Spelling Variations

The recording of names in Ireland during the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. Since the general population did not know how to read or write, they could only specify how their names should be recorded orally. Research into the name Bernass revealed spelling variations, including Bierne, O'Bierne, Biern, O'Biern, Beirne, O'Beirne, Beirn, O'Beirn, Birn, O'Birn, Birne and many more.

Early Notables of the Bernass family

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

Migration of the Bernass family

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name Bernass: Bridget Birne, who sailed to Quebec in 1849; Michael Beirne to Philadelphia in 1867; Patrick Beirne to Philadelphia in 1869; Martin Beirn to Philadelphia in 1872.