The surname Degnen was first found in Berkshire, 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 year 1200 when Peter de Dagginhall held estates.
Early History of the Degnen family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Degnen research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1260, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Degnen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Degnen Spelling Variations
One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Degnen has appeared include Dagnall, Dagnell, Degnall, Degnell, Daignall and many more.
Early Notables of the Degnen family
More information is included under the topic Early Degnen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Degnen family
At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Degnen arrived in North America very early: Samuel Dagnell, who came to Virginia in 1698; Elizabeth Dagnell, who came to Virginia in 1768; James and Mary Dagnal, who arrived in New York in 1831; James Dagnell, who came to Allegheny Co., PA in 1853.
