Freemin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Etymology of Freemin

When the Strongbownians began to settle in Ireland, they initially ignored the established Gaelic system for developing of patronymic names and solely relied on their own traditional naming practices. Eventually, however, the two differing customs drew upon one another to some degree. The Strongbow settlers, unlike their Gaelic neighbors, frequently used nickname surnames. These Anglo-Norman nicknames were frequently of two types: "oath names" and "imperative names." Oath names often carried blessings or were formed from habitual expressions. Imperative names, formed from a verb added to a noun or an adverb, metaphorically described the bearer's occupations. The nick name surname Freemin is derived from a nickname for a free-born man. The surname Freemin is derived from the Old English words "freomann" and "frigmann," which both mean freeman. The surname Freemin is also used as an Anglicized version of Mac an tSaoir, which means son of the craftsman.

Early Origins of the Freemin family

Early History of the Freemin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Freemin research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1150, 1172, 1296, 1301, 1690 and 1926 are included under the topic Early Freemin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Freemin Spelling Variations

Medieval scribes and church officials spelt names simply the way they sounded, which explains the various name spelling variations of the name Freemin that were encountered when researching that surname. The many spelling variations included: Freeman, Freman and others.

Early Notables of the Freemin family

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

Migration of the Freemin family

Irish immigration to North American began in the late 18th century as many Irish families desired to own their own land. This pattern of immigration grew slowly yet steadily until the 1840s. At that time, a failed crop and a growing population in Ireland resulted in the Great Potato Famine. Poverty, disease, and starvation ravaged the land. To ease their pain and suffering the Irish often looked upon North America as a solution: hundreds of thousands undertook the voyage. Their arrival meant the growth of industry and commerce for British North America and the United States. For the individual Irishman, it meant survival and hope, and the opportunity for work, freedom, and ownership of land. The early immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Freemin: Ralph Freeman who settled in Virginia in 1622; along with Thomas, Bennett, Bridget, Francis, James, Jane, Richard, Thomas, and William Freeman, who all settled in Virginia between 1630 and 1670.