Burfitt

The surname BURFITT is believed to have originated in England during the late medieval period. It is likely derived from a place name, as many English surnames were initially based on the specific towns, villages, or locations where a person or family resided. In this case, the name BURFITT may have originated from a place called Burford or a similar-sounding location.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the BURFITT surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Berkshire from 1230, which mention a person named Richard de Bureford. This spelling variation suggests a connection to the town of Burford in Oxfordshire, which was historically known as Bureford or Bureforde.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, the BURFITT surname appeared in various records across England, with variations in spelling such as Burford, Burfytt, and Burfett. These variations were common due to the inconsistent nature of surname spelling and record-keeping during that era.

One notable BURFITT from history was Sir John Burfitt, who lived in the late 15th century and served as a Member of Parliament for the borough of Lichfield in Staffordshire during the reign of King Henry VII. Another individual named Thomas Burfitt was recorded as a landowner in the village of Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, in the early 16th century.

In the 17th century, the BURFITT surname was found in various parish records and local histories across counties like Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire. For instance, the baptismal records of St. Mary's Church in Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, mention a William Burfitt who was born in 1642.

During the 18th century, several notable individuals with the BURFITT surname emerged. One was John Burfitt (1713-1787), a renowned English architect who designed several churches and buildings in Somerset and Wiltshire. Another was William Burfitt (1768-1840), a well-known engraver and illustrator based in London, who produced works for various publications.

In the 19th century, the BURFITT surname continued to appear in various records and historical accounts. One example is George Burfitt (1829-1902), a prominent English landscape painter known for his depictions of rural scenes and countryside landscapes.

While the BURFITT surname may not be among the most common in England, it has a rich historical lineage and can be traced back to the medieval period, with connections to various locations and notable individuals throughout the centuries.