Show ContentsFirnivale History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Firnivale

What does the name Firnivale mean?

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Firnivale family, who lived in Lincolnshire. Their name, however, is not a reference to this area, but to their place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Fourneville in Calvados, Normandy.

Early Origins of the Firnivale family

The surname Firnivale was first found in Lincolnshire where "the best authorities state that the first of this name, known in England, was Girard de Furnival, who came over from Normandy, temp. Richard I., and accompanied the crusade to the Holy Land. It is impossible to reconcile this fact with the entry on the Battle Roll. " 1

Early History of the Firnivale family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Firnivale research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1250 is included under the topic Early Firnivale History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Firnivale Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Firnivale were recorded, including Furnival, Furnivall, Furniwal, Furniwall and many more.

Early Notables of the Firnivale family

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

Migration of the Firnivale family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Firnivale arrived in North America very early: Richard Furnwall and Samuel Furnwall arrived in Philadelphia in 1876.



  1. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.


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