The Vrei surname comes from the Middle High German word "vri," meaning "free," and as a name, it referred to a free man, as opposed to a bondsman or serf in the feudal system.
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Early Origins of the Vrei family
The surname Vrei was first found in Bavaria, where the name Frey came from humble beginnings but eventually gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the region's medieval society. The family later became more prominent as many branches of the family acquired distant estates which elevated in turn their social status.
Early History of the Vrei family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vrei research. Another 54 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1855 and 1920 are included under the topic Early Vrei History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Vrei Spelling Variations
Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Vrei include Frey, Freye, Frei, Freie, Frie, Fraie, Vrey, Vreye, Vrei, Vreie and many more.
Early Notables of the Vrei family
More information is included under the topic Early Vrei Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Vrei family
The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: John Frie, who settled in New England in 1638; Anna Barbara Frey, who arrived in New York City with her two children in 1709; Hans Ulrich Frie, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1729.
