Bernass History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Bernass

What does the name Bernass mean?

In ancient Scotland, the first people to use the name Bernass were part of a tribe known as the Strathclyde Britons. The name is derived from the personal name Burnhouse, derived from the words burn, meaning "stream," and house, meaning a house.

Early Origins of the Bernass family

The surname Bernass was first found in Cumberland, 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 Bernass family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bernass research. Another 138 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1495 and 1560 are included under the topic Early Bernass History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bernass Spelling Variations

Surnames that evolved in Scotland in the Middle Ages often appear under many spelling variations. These are due to the practice of spelling according to sound in the era before dictionaries had standardized the English language. Bernass has appeared as Burness, Burnes, Burnace, Burnice, Burnhouse, Burnshead, Burnish, Burnist, Bernis 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 to Ireland

Some of the Bernass 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 Bernass family

The North American colonies beckoned, with their ample land and opportunity as their freedom from the persecution suffered by so many Clan families back home. Many Scots even fought against England in the American War of Independence to gain this freedom. Recently, Clan societies have allowed the ancestors of these brave Scottish settlers to rediscover their familial roots. Among them: William Burnhouse settled in Virginia in 1623; Margaret Burness, who settled in East New Jersey in 1685; James Burness, who settled in America in 1815.

The Bernass Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Perseverantia vincit
Motto Translation: Perseverance conquers