Berthelemy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Germany
Scotland

Early Origins of the Berthelemy family

The surname Berthelemy was first found in Berwickshire, in Scotland, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Bartholomew (d. 1184), was Bishop of Exeter and a native of Brittany. "He was for some time archdeacon of Exeter. His appointment to the bishopric was due to the influence of Archbishop Theobald, who shortly before his death wrote a most urgent letter recommending him to the notice of Henry II and his chancellor, Becket (1161). " 1

Saint Bartholomew (d. 1193), was a Northumbrian hermit of some celebrity, who flourished in the twelfth century. "His life was most probably written by Galfrid, the author of the biography of St. Godric, and a monk of Bartholomew's own monastery of St. Mary at Durham. In any case, it professes to be written in the lifetime of the saint's contemporaries. According to this life, Bartholomew was born at Witeb or Whitby. His real name, we are told, was Tostius (Tostig?), which his parents changed to William to avoid the laughter of his playmates. " 1

Early History of the Berthelemy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berthelemy research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1793 and 1867 are included under the topic Early Berthelemy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Berthelemy Spelling Variations

During the era when a person's name, tribe and posterity was one of his most important possessions, many different spellings were found in the archives examined. Berthelemy occurred in many references, and spelling variations of the name found included Bartholomew, Bartholemewe, Bartholemew and many more.

Early Notables of the Berthelemy family

Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Berthelemy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Berthelemy family

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of illness and the elements, were buried at sea. In North America, early immigrants bearing the family name Berthelemy, or a spelling variation of the surname include: Mary Bartholomew who settled in Virginia in 1634; William settled in Virginia in 1794.

The Berthelemy 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: Ad alta
Motto Translation: To high things.

Sources +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print