Freelend History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Freelend

What does the name Freelend mean?

The Freelend surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name 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 Freelend also originated as the place-name Freeland, a parish in the dioceses of Oxford.

Early Origins of the Freelend family

The surname Freelend 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 Freelend family

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

Freelend Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Freelend are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Freelend include: Freeland, Freeling, Frieland and others.

Early Notables of the Freelend family

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

Migration of the Freelend family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Freelend or a variant listed above: 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 Freelend 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.