Forsir History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of ForsirWhat does the name Forsir mean? The ancient and distinguished surname Forsir is of Old English origin. It is derived from "fosseg," meaning "dweller by the low-lying land near a dyke." Early Origins of the Forsir familyThe surname Forsir was first found in Durham, where the family was anciently seated 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 name was first referenced in the 13th century, when the family held estates in that county. Early History of the Forsir familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Forsir research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1650, 1679, 1681, 1683 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Forsir History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Forsir Spelling VariationsForsir 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: Forser, Forzer, Fouser, Fourzer, Forcer, Forsar, Forzar, Fousse, Foussard, Fors, Forse, Forsberg, Fosse, Forsey, Forsay and many more. Early Notables of the Forsir familyDistinguished members of the family include Francis Forcer the Elder (1650?-1705?), an English composer. He " is mentioned by Hawkins as the writer of many songs, five of which may be found in Playford's 'Choyce Ayres and Dialogues,' bk. ii. 1679, one in the edition of 1681, and... Migration of the Forsir familyIn 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 Forsirs to arrive on North American shores: Jeremiah Forsey, who settled in Maryland in 1658; Robert Forsay, who was granted land in Virginia in 1691; Eliza Forse, a bonded emigrant from London to Maryland in 1743.
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