Show ContentsArmitt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the name Armitt date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in Yorkshire, where the family was found since the early Middle Ages. Literally, the name meant the dweller at the hermitage.

Early Origins of the Armitt family

The surname Armitt was first found in Yorkshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Armitt family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Armitt research. Another 229 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1208, 1255, 1273, 1379, 1526, 1549, 1751, 1768, 1785, 1790, 1795, 1800 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Armitt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Armitt Spelling Variations

Armitt has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Armitt have been found, including Armit, Armitt, Ermit, Ermitt, Hermit, Heremite, Heremit, Armet, Armett, Armat, Ermite, Harmyt, Harmet and many more.

Early Notables of the Armitt family

More information is included under the topic Early Armitt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Armitt family to Ireland

Some of the Armitt family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 92 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Armitt migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Armitts to arrive on North American shores:

Armitt Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Richard Armitt, who sailed to America in 1700
  • Richard Armitt, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1701 1
  • Sarah Armitt, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1702 1
  • Sarah Armitt went to Philadelphia in 1702
  • John Armitt went to Philadelphia in 1736

Australia Armitt migration to Australia +

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

Armitt Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Charles Armitt, (b. 1794), aged 39, English servant who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for life for forgery, transported aboard the "Fairlie" on 14th October 1833, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1847 2
  • Mr. Thomas Armitt, (b. 1789), aged 44, English farm labourer who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for life for forgery, transported aboard the "Fairlie" on 14th October 1833, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1837 2


The Armitt 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: Fortis in arduis
Motto Translation: Brave in difficulties.


  1. 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)
  2. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 21st September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie


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