Freelan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Freelan

What does the name Freelan mean?

The Freelan name is an important part of the history of the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Freelan is derived from the baptismal name Freeland. 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. The surname Freelan also originated as the place-name Freeland, a parish in the dioceses of Oxford.

Early Origins of the Freelan family

The surname Freelan was first found in Hampshire 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 Freelan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Freelan research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1764 and 1836 are included under the topic Early Freelan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Freelan Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Freelan were recorded, including Freeland, Freeling, Frieland and others.

Early Notables of the Freelan family

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

Migration of the Freelan family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Freelan family emigrate to North America: Thomas Freeland who settled in New Hampshire in 1718; Tennant Freeland settled in Philadelphia in 1817; George Freeland settled in Savannah Georgia in 1867.

The Freelan 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: Libera terra liberque animus
Motto Translation: A free land and a free soul.