Show ContentsBikerfithy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Bikerfithy comes from the family having resided in Bickford, which was the name of several places in England. The surname Bikerfithy is derived from the Old English words becca, which refers to a type of ax, and ford, which refers to a shallow place in a river.

Early Origins of the Bikerfithy family

The surname Bikerfithy was first found in Devon at Bickford Town in Plympton St. Mary parish or from Beckford Farm in Membury. 1

"The manor of Carburrow, [in the parish of Warleggon. Cornwall] and the barton of Trevedoc, have been for a considerable time in the family of their present proprietor Arscott Bickford, Esq. of Dunsland in Devonshire. The old mansion still remains; but it is no longer the abode of grandeur." 2

Some sources note that the family could have originated in Beckford, Gloucestershire. This parish, in the union of Winchcomb, partly in the hundred of Tibaldstone dates back to Saxon times when it was known as Beccanford in 803. 3 By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the parish was known as Beceford. 4

In the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273, there was a strong presence of the family in Gloucestershire where (Prior) de Bekeford; Adam de Beckeford; and Henry de Beckeford were listed at that time. Alex, de Bikeford was listed in Staffordshire in the same rolls. 5 Of the latter, the village of Bickford in Staffordshire survives today.

Early History of the Bikerfithy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bikerfithy research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1050, 1709, 1774 and 1834 are included under the topic Early Bikerfithy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bikerfithy Spelling Variations

Bikerfithy has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Bickford, Bickerford and others.

Early Notables of the Bikerfithy family

Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bikerfithy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bikerfithy family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Bikerfithys to arrive on North American shores: Stephen Bickford who settled in Warren, Maine, in the year of 1640; and other members of the family settled in New Hampshire at Henniker, Sabornton, and Nottingham..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  3. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  4. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  5. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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