When the ancestors of the De'wee family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Devon. This family was originally from Douai, near Lille, Normandy, and it is from this location that their surname derives.
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Early Origins of the De'wee family
The surname De'wee was first found in Devon where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.
Early History of the De'wee family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our De'wee research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early De'wee History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
De'wee Spelling Variations
The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. De'wee has been recorded under many different variations, including Dewey, Dewy, Dewye and others.
Early Notables of the De'wee family
More information is included under the topic Early De'wee Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
De'wee Ranking
In South Africa, the name De'wee is the 760th most popular surname with an estimated 9,116 people with that name. 1
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Migration of the De'wee family
To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. De'wees were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: George Dewey who settled in Bristol Rhode Island in 1820; John Dewey settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1860; S.L. B.B. and A.T. Dewey and his wife, all arrived in San Francisco Cal. in 1850.
