This surname is locational, from Berkeley a parish and market town in Gloucestershire or Berkeley in Somerset, both so called from the Old English pre 7th Century "be(o)rc" meaning "birch" plus "leah" "wood" or "clearing" hence "birch wood". The name is particularly prominent in Scotland which suggests that it was brought in by a Berkeley from Gloucestershire in the 12th Century. Recordings of the name date back to the late 11th Century (see below). Further recordings include Robert de Barclay (1195) "the Subsidy Rolls of Northumberland" and Egidius de Berkeley (1273) "The Subsidy Rolls of Oxfordshire".
Variations in the idiom of the spelling include Berkelay, Berkeley, Barkly etc.. One Elizabeth Barkley was christened in Bruton, Somerset on April 20th 1558 and Henry Barclay married Jane Townsend on March 10th 1596 at St. Gile's, Cripplegate, London. One William Barclay (circa 1570 - 1630) was a Scottish writer who obtained an M.A. and M.D. at Louvain. He was a professor of humanity in Paris University and he also practised medicine in Scotland. His works include "The Vertues of Tobacco" 1614. Lachn Barclay aged 50 yrs., a famine emigrant to New York, sailed aboard the Brooksby from Glasgow on June 1st 1846 together with his wife Margaret (aged 46 yrs.,) and four sons David (aged 13 yrs), Alexander (aged 8 yrs), Louis (aged 6 yrs), and Archd (aged 3 yrs). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Roger de Berchalai, which was dated 1086 - "The Domesday Book", during the reign of King William 1, known as "William the Conqueror", 1066 - 1087. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Discovering the historical roots of berkeley is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. The history of the surname berkeley is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of berkeley. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname berkeley, and in addition to the original locations of berkeley, we can find out where people with the surname berkeley can currently be found.
Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname berkeley. It is common for surnames like berkeley to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The mobility of people carrying the surname berkeley has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical chronicle of berkeley is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The historical journey of the surname berkeley can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of berkeley. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname berkeley are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.
We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname berkeley, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname berkeley, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname berkeley or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of berkeley.
It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished berkeleys throughout human history. Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all berkeleys who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. A surname like berkeley can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames.
Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of berkeley. It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname berkeley. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname berkeley, as well as many other surnames.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of berkeley, and at the same time, of surnames in general.