Contents [hide]

Bath History Etymology Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Motto Citations

Bath History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

Etymology of Bath

What does the name Bath mean?

From the land of Wales came the name of Bath. The evolution of this Celtic name can be traced back to when the Bath family lived in the settlement of Bathe Barton in North Tawton, in the county of Devon, or in the famed cathedral city of Bath in Somerset. The surname Bath belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. However, some scholars believe this surname to be a patronym derived from the Welsh personal name Atha. The original form of this name was ab-Atha, which was abbreviated to Batha. 1

Early Origins of the Bath family

The surname Bath was first found in Somerset, and Gloucestershire where they were one of the earliest families to settle on the English/Welsh border.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Job de Bath in Sussex, while Kirby's Quest listed John de Bathe, Somerset, 1 Edward III; and John atte Bathe, Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III.) 2

Henry de Bathe or Bathonia (d. 1261), was an English judge, "said to have been a younger brother of Walter de Bathe, and to have been born at the family seat, Bathe House, North Tawton, Devon." 3

Let's take a moment to explore Henry de Bath(e)'s life in more detail: "The barton of Bath is associated with a notable piece of folklore. It was the name, place, and seat of the family of Bath, De Bath, or Bathon a house sometime of much note. Of this stock was Sir Henry Bath, Justice Itinerant to Henry III., who was charged with corruption in his office, and respecting whom Henry is said to have declared at his trial, ' Whosoever shall kill Henry de Bath shall be quit of his death, and I do hereby acquit him.' However, Bath was fortunate enough not only to be taken into favour again, but to be made Chief Justice of the King's Bench. He died in 1261. The point of folklore raised is not unique, which makes it the more curious. " 4

Early History of the Bath family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bath research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1238, 1350, 1351, 1397, 1402, 1409, 1450, 1460, 1476, 1478, 1500, 1536, 1559, 1564, 1570, 1586, 1592, 1595, 1596, 1597, 1607, 1610, 1614 and 1649 are included under the topic Early Bath History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bath Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society in the 15th century. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Bath has seen various spelling variations: Bath, Bathe and others.

Early Notables of the Bath family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

Henry Bath of Alltyfering, High Sheriff of Glamorgan; John Bathe, High Sheriff of London (1350-1351); and John Bathe (died 1409), English politician, Member of Parliament Dorset (1397 and 1402.)
John Bathe (1610-1649), was an English Jesuit, born at Drogheda in 1610, the son of Christopher Bathe, mayor of that town, and his wife, Catherine Warine. 3

Bath Ranking

In the United States, the name Bath is the 17,052^nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 5 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Bath is ranked the 799^th most popular surname with an estimated 51 people with that name. 6

Migration of the Bath family to Ireland

Some of the Bath family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 354 words (25 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bath migration to the United States +

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Bath:

Bath Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Tho Bath, who landed in Virginia in 1637 7
That Bath, who landed in Virginia in 1637 7
Mary Bath, who arrived in Virginia in 1663 7
John Bath who settled in Virginia in 1663
William Bath, who arrived in Beverly, Massachusetts in 1677 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bath Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Bartho Bath, who landed in Virginia in 1701 7
John Bath, who settled in New England in 1709 with his wife and two children
Johan Adam Bath, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1749 7
Johan Peter Bath, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1749 7
Zachary Bath, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1765 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bath Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Richard P Bath, who arrived in New York in 1830 7
Phillip Bath, aged 29, who landed in New York, NY in 1849 7
John B Bath, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851 7
Katharina Bath, who landed in Brazil in 1863 7
James Bath, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1872 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bath Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. Fred Bath, (b. 1878), aged 27, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Tonopah, Nevada, USA 8
Mr. William Bath, (b. 1876), aged 29, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 4th June 1905 en route to Butte, Montana, USA 8

Bath migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Bath Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Thomas Bath, who settled in Trinity Harbour, Newfoundland in 1722 9
John Bath, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1770
John Bath, aged 23, who arrived in Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia in 1775

Bath Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Thomas Bath was a planter in Fogo, Newfoundland in 1808 9
John Bath was a planter in Twillingate, Newfoundland in 1821
John Bath, who settled in Herring Neck, Newfoundland in 1842 9
Miss. Catherine Bath, aged who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Julius Caesar" departing 13th July 1847 from Liverpool, England; the ship arrived on 5th September 1847 but she died on board 10

Bath migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Bath Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Richard Bath (b. 1887), aged 30, Cornish settler convicted in Cornwall, UK on 4th August 1817, sentenced for life for stealing 2 sheep along with John Wills, transported aboard the ship "Isabella" in April 1818 to Australia 11
Mr. Edwin Bath, British Convict who was convicted in Bristol, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Asia" on 20th July 1837, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
Tristram Bath, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Morley" in 1840 13
Susanna Bath, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Morley" in 1840 13
Henry Bath, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Morley" in 1840 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bath migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Bath Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Charles Bath, aged 22, a woodcarver, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Halcione" in 1870 14
Louisa Bath, aged 22, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Halcione" in 1870 14
Samuel Bath, aged 26, a carpenter, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bebington" in 1872
Mary Bath, aged 23, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bebington" in 1872
Mrs. Elizabeth J. Bath, (b. 1843), aged 30, Cornish settler departing on 31st July 1873 aboard the ship "Lady Jocelyn" going to Bluff or Otago, New Zealand arriving in port on 6th November 1873 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Bath (post 1700) +

Patricia Era Bath (b. 1942), American ophthalmologist, inventor, and academic
James Reynolds Bath (b. 1936), American former director of Bank of Credit and Commerce International
Thomas Henry Bath CBE (1875-1956), Australian politician, trade unionist, newspaper editor, writer, and cooperativist
Melina Gaye Bath (b. 1966), Australian politician and former schoolteacher, Member of the Victorian Legislative Council for Eastern Victoria Region (2015-)
Hubert Bath (1883-1945), English film composer and music director, best known for his work on Tudor Rose (1936), A Yank at Oxford (1938) and Millions Like Us (1943)
Harry Bath (1924-2008), Australian rugby league footballer
James Bath (1830-1901), English born, Australian headmaster and civil servant, Secretary the Minister for Education in 1883 and continued his service to fourteen other Ministers
Elizabeth Bath (1776-1844), née Paddy, English poet; she wrote a collection of sixty-six poems, member of the Society of Friends
Major General Ronald J Bath, American director of the U.S. Air Force Strategic Planning
Christine "Chris" Bath (b. 1967), Australian journalist and television personality, current host of Evenings on ABC Radio Sydney

Historic Events for the Bath family +

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Walter James Bath (1923-1941), Australian Ordinary Seaman from Walcha, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 16

Prince of Wales colliery

Mr. Isaac Bath (b. 1857), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 17

The Bath Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Habere et dispertire
Motto Translation: To have and to share with others.

Citations +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retreived 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 65)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 30th May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_convicts.pdf
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 7th February 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1837
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) MORLEY 1840. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840Morley.htm
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 12th December 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to other ports, 1872 - 84 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/new_zealand_assisted.pdf
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
Entombed in flood and flame (retrieved 3rd August 2021). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120603025705/http://www.crosskeys.me.uk/history/prince.htm