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![Show Contents]() Venass History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The Venass surname is derived for the German words "Vogel," meaning "bird" and "Sang," meaning "song." The name is generally thought to be of nickname origin, that is, the original bearer of the name may have been a singer. Alternatively the name may have been of locative origin from a place where one could hear bird songs. The American surname Birdsong is a direct translation of the Germanic name Vogelsang. Alternatively, the name could have been Norman, having derived from Venoix, near Caen which was held by the hereditary Marshals of the Stable of the Dukes of Normandy. 1 Early Origins of the Venass familyThe surname Venass was first found in Kent where in the year 1314, John Venesoun was listed in the Feet of Fines. 2 Four brothers of this house are entered in Domesday: Robert de Hastings (see Hastings); Roger; Ceroid; and Gosfrid. The latter was the father of Gilbert, who, with his son John, was impleaded by Robert de Venoix and William de Hastings for the Office of Mareschal to the King, which, although it could not have been theirs by right of birth, they then held, and successfully maintained. John espoused the cause of the Empress Maud, and was rewarded on her son's accession with lands of great value in Wiltshire. 1 Henry II. further confirmed the office of Lord Mareschal to the next heir, his son John, who accordingly bore the great gilt Spurs at the coronation of Coeur de Lion, and was succeeded by his brother William at that time one of the great potentates of the land in 1199. 1 Early History of the Venass familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Venass research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1334, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Venass History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Venass Spelling VariationsThe English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Venass has been recorded under many different variations, including Venison, Veness, Venes, Venis, Venus, Vennison, Venoix and many more. Early Notables of the Venass familyMore information is included under the topic Early Venass Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Venass familyTo escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Venasss were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Ben Venison who went to Virginia in 1654; or the unknown Venus who settled there in 1698. Elizabeth Venus and Elizabeth Venns were brought to the New World in bondage, in 1736.
- Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 3 of 3
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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