Berryham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Berryham is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who 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 Berryham family

The surname Berryham 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 Berryham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berryham 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 Berryham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berryham Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Berryham are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Berryham include Berryman, Berriman, Borowman, Buriman, Beriman, Buryman, Birriman, Borrowman and many more.

Early Notables of the Berryham family (pre 1700)

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 Berryham Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Berryham family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Berryham or a variant listed above: John Berryman who arrived in Virginia in 1663; and Robert Berryman, who came to Virginia in 1718.

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.