Bewsher History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England
• Ireland

Etymology of Bewsher

The distinguished surname Bewsher emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. Occupational surnames were derived from the common trades of the medieval era. The surname Bewsher is an occupational name for a butcher. The surname Bewsher is derived from the Anglo-French words bocher and boucher, which are in turn derived from the Old French words bochier and bouchier. These words all mean butcher.

Early Origins of the Bewsher family

Early History of the Bewsher family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bewsher research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1400 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Bewsher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bewsher Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Bewsher, Butcher, Buscher, Bucher, Boucher and many more.

Early Notables of the Bewsher family

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

Migration of the Bewsher family to Ireland

Some of the Bewsher 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 Bewsher family

An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Bewsher arrived in North America very early: Francis Butcher who settled in Virginia in 1623; John Butcher settled in New England in 1654; John Butcher settled in Virginia in 1649; Mary Butcher settled in Virginia in 1643.