Origins on Berrytree.org

Chapter I: Origin of the Surname

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Chapter I#

Origin of the Surname#

The family name BERRY is a good example of the evolutionary nature of names. People took as surnames the names of flowers, fish, animals, birds, and occupations. But by far, one of the most common sources of surnames was place names. The name BERRY is a derivative of the Old English suffix burg, indicating one who lived at or near a hill, stronghold, or fortified place. Thus, the surname BERRY became a frequent name in a large category of surnames derived from place names. Because of the evolutionary nature of name development, it is virtually impossible to pinpoint the exact date of the formation of any new name. BERRY, of course, is no exception. However, some of the ancient records of the English nation give evidence of early forms of the name and show usage as early as 1513. (III; p.3)

Chapter II: Family Crest & Coat of Arms

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

← Chapter I: Origin of the Surname | Table of Contents | Chapter III: Immigration to America →

Chapter II#

Family Crest & Coat-of-Arms#

BERRY#

ARMS: Vert a cross crosslet or. CREST: From a coronet (set with crosses) a goat’s head proper. ARMS: On a green field, a gold cross with the four ends of the cross crossed. CREST: From a coronet [set with crosses] a goat’s head in its natural color.

Chapter III: Immigration to America

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

← Chapter II: Family Crest & Coat of Arms | Table of Contents | Chapter IV: The Revolutionary War →

Chapter III#

Ships Ahoy (Immigration to America)#

…Every American is either an immigrant or has descended from immigrants, except possibly the American Indians. The story of American immigration is the story…of an estimated seventy (70) million people of different backgrounds & nationalities. It is the story of their hopes, their fears, their aspirations: it is the story of America itself…