The name Garfitt comes from an old Yorkshire place name, which is in turn derived fro the Old English elements "gara," which denoted a triangular piece of ground, and "ford," meaning a crossing place through shallow water.
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Early Origins of the Garfitt family
The surname Garfitt was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held estates in that shire and held a family seat at Sleeton.
Early History of the Garfitt family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Garfitt research. Another 137 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1444, 1455, 1487, 1510 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Garfitt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Garfitt Spelling Variations
Garfitt 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. Spelling variants included: Garforth, Garford, Garforde, Garforthe and others.
Early Notables of the Garfitt family
More information is included under the topic Early Garfitt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Garfitt 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 Garfitts to arrive on North American shores: Gervais Garford, who arrived in Salem, MA between the years 1620-1650; Richard Garford, who came to Maryland in 1651; Ruth Garford, who came to Virginia Year in 1714.
