Freelin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Freelin

What does the name Freelin mean?

Freelin is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that 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 Freelin also originated as the place-name Freeland, a parish in the dioceses of Oxford.

Early Origins of the Freelin family

The surname Freelin 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 Freelin family

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

Freelin Spelling Variations

Freelin 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. Many variations of the name Freelin have been found, including Freeland, Freeling, Frieland and others.

Early Notables of the Freelin family

Sir Francis Freeling, first Baronet (1764-1836), postal administrator and book collector

Migration of the Freelin family

In 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 Freelins to arrive on North American shores: 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 Freelin 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.