Freebourn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Freebourn

What does the name Freebourn mean?

The rich and ancient history of the Freebourn family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from the baptismal name Frebern. Baptismal names began to appear as surnames relatively late in the growth of the naming tradition. This is a little surprising, given the popularity of biblical figures in the Christian countries of Europe. Nevertheless, surnames derived from baptismal names grew in popularity during the Middle Ages, and have become one of the foremost sources for surnames.

Early Origins of the Freebourn family

The surname Freebourn was first found in Berwickshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Freebourn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Freebourn research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1150, 1190 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Freebourn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Freebourn Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Freebourn have been found, including Freebairn, Freeborn, Freebourn, Freebourne, Freeborne, Freeburn, Frebern, Freebern and many more.

Early Notables of the Freebourn family

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

Migration of the Freebourn family to Ireland

Some of the Freebourn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 77 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Freebourn migration to the United States +

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Freebourn, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were :

Freebourn Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Will Freebourn, who settled in Massachusetts in 1634

Contemporary Notables of the name Freebourn (post 1700) +

Harrison J. Freebourn, American judge, member of the Supreme Court of Montana (1949-1954)

The Freebourn Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Always the same