Norrish Surname

The History of the Norrish Surname

The surname Norrish has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. It is believed to have originated in England, with the first recorded instance of the name dating back to the early 13th century. Over the years, the surname has spread to various countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.

Origins of the Norrish Surname in England

In England, the Norrish surname is most commonly found in the regions of Devon and Cornwall. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English personal name "Northgyth," which means "north gift." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have been seen as gifts from the north, or perhaps hailed from a northern region of England.

The first recorded instance of the Norrish surname in England dates back to the 13th century, when a man named John Norriss was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Devon in 1242. Since then, the surname has continued to be passed down through generations, with variations in spelling such as Norris, Norriss, and Norrish.

Migration of the Norrish Surname to Australia and New Zealand

During the 19th century, many individuals with the surname Norrish made the journey to Australia and New Zealand in search of new opportunities. The gold rushes of the mid-1800s attracted many immigrants to these countries, and the Norrish surname can be found in various records from this time period.

In Australia, the Norrish surname is most commonly found in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. One notable individual with the surname was William Norrish, who arrived in Victoria in the 1850s and became a successful farmer in the region.

In New Zealand, the Norrish surname is found mainly in the North Island, particularly in the Auckland and Waikato regions. The name appears in early settler records and has been passed down through many generations of Norrish families in the country.

Spread of the Norrish Surname to North America

The Norrish surname also made its way to North America, with individuals bearing the name settling in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the surname can be found in various states, with a notable concentration in the New England region.

One of the early settlers with the Norrish surname in the United States was Thomas Norrish, who arrived in Massachusetts in the 17th century. His descendants spread out across the country, with branches of the Norrish family now found in states such as California, Texas, and New York.

In Canada, the Norrish surname is most commonly found in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. Early records show Norrish families immigrating to Canada in the 19th century, seeking new opportunities and a better life for themselves and their descendants.

Modern Distribution of the Norrish Surname

Today, the Norrish surname is relatively rare compared to other surnames, with a total incidence of 526 in Australia, 384 in England, 316 in Canada, 268 in the United States, and 164 in New Zealand. Smaller numbers of individuals with the Norrish surname can be found in countries such as Wales, Scotland, Spain, Italy, and South Africa.

Despite its rarity, the Norrish surname continues to be passed down through generations of families around the world, preserving its unique history and heritage. Through genealogical research and the sharing of family stories, the legacy of the Norrish surname will continue to thrive for generations to come.

The surname Norrish in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens in the case of Norrish, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that can be found in most of the countries of the globe. Just as there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women using the surname Norrish is higher than in other countries.

The map of the Norrish surname

1. Australia (526)
2. England (384)
3. Canada (316)
4. United States (268)
5. New Zealand (164)
6. Wales (13)
7. Scotland (4)
8. Spain (2)
9. Italy (2)
10. South Africa (2)
11. Bulgaria (1)
12. Chile (1)
13. Ireland (1)
14. Norway (1)
15. Oman (1)
16. Singapore (1)
17. Thailand (1)
18. Turkey (1)