The Freis surname comes from the Middle High German word "vri," meaning "free," and as a name, it referred to a free man, as opposed to a bondsman or serf in the feudal system.
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Early Origins of the Freis family
The surname Freis was first found in Bavaria, where the name Frey came from humble beginnings but eventually gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the region's medieval society. The family later became more prominent as many branches of the family acquired distant estates which elevated in turn their social status.
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Early History of the Freis family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Freis research. Another 54 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1855 and 1920 are included under the topic Early Freis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Freis Spelling Variations
In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Freis include Frey, Freye, Frei, Freie, Frie, Fraie, Vrey, Vreye, Vrei, Vreie and many more.
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Early Notables of the Freis family
More information is included under the topic Early Freis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Freis family
The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: John Frie, who settled in New England in 1638; Anna Barbara Frey, who arrived in New York City with her two children in 1709; Hans Ulrich Frie, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1729.
