| ![Show Contents]() Birchenstey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of BirchensteyWhat does the name Birchenstey mean? The name Birchenstey literally means "the islet or eyot in the stream frequented by birds." 1 Another source has a similar etymology meaning "dweller at the Bird’s Island or Low Riparian Land." 2 Early Origins of the Birchenstey familyThe surname Birchenstey was first found in Sussex where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held estates in that county. Early History of the Birchenstey familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Birchenstey research. Another 147 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1076, 1084, 1135, 1196, 1406, 1510, 1562, 1600, 1652, 1665, 1675, 1687, 1753, 1886 and 1956 are included under the topic Early Birchenstey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Birchenstey Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Birchenstey has been spelled many different ways, including Birsty, Bursty, Berstie, Bersty, Berstie, Birchensty, Burchensty, Berchensty, Birchenstey, Birchsty, Burchsty, Berchsty, Berdsey, Berdesly, Birdseye and many more. Early Notables of the Birchenstey familyAnother 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Birchenstey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Birchenstey familyThousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Birchensteys to arrive in North America: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
- Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
 |
