Roots History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of RootsWhat does the name Roots mean? Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the name Roots was first found in Britina. It was a name for a happy or cheerful person. The surname Roots was originally derived from the Old English word rot, which meant glad or pleased. Early Origins of the Roots familyThe surname Roots was first found in Kent where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. Early History of the Roots familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Roots research. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1086 is included under the topic Early Roots History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Roots Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, Anglo-Norman surnames like Roots are characterized by many spelling variations. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages such as Norman French and Latin, even literate people regularly changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Roots include Root, Rouet, Rout, Roots, Roote, Rootes and others. Early Notables of the Roots familyMore information is included under the topic Early Roots Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Faced with the chaos present in England at that time, many English families looked towards the open frontiers of the New World with its opportunities to escape oppression and starvation. People migrated to North America, as well as Australia and Ireland in droves, paying exorbitant rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, but those who did see the shores of North America were welcomed with great opportunity. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America carried the name Roots, or a variant listed above: Roots Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Roots Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Roots Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Roots Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Roots Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Roots Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
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