The first recorded spelling of the family name anywhere in the world is believed to be that of Walter de la Birche. This was dated 1182, in the charters of King Henry 11nd, 1154 - 1189.
Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was sometimes known as Poll Tax.
copyright: Name Origin Research www.surnamedb.com
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Some of the Birch names I am researching are;James Henry Birch
Born: 09 Oct 1879 Staffordshire, England
Died: 27 Jun 1967 Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio
James married Annie Warrender on 21 June 1904 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania
Annie (nee Warrender) Birch
Born: abt 1882 England
Died: before 1940
James and Annie had the following children;
Sarah E. Birch ~ 1905 Pennsylvania – 1989 married: John N. Bloise
James H. Birch ~ 1908 Pennsylvania – 1963 married: Mary H. Hruska
Ethel M. Birch ~ 1910 Pennsylvania – married: unknown
Alfred George Birch ~ 1913 Pennsylvania – 1983 married: Beatrice Jean Murray
Florence Violet Birch ~ 1914 Pennsylvania – 1984 married: 1. McWilliams-died 1938 2. John Thomas O'Rourke
Ernest O. Birch ~ 1916 Pennsylvania – 1972 married: unknown
Edna Leona Birch ~ 1921 Pennsylvania – married: unknown
If anyone has any information on any of these Birch's or has any photos I would appreciate it if you would contact me. I have a Birch tree on ancestry if anyone is interested. Birch.Family.Tree Thanks!