Barrymoor History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
England

Non-Gaelic elements made their first appearance in Irish nomenclature after the Strongbow settlers began to arrive on Irish shores. Although the Irish already had an established a system of hereditary surnames, the Anglo-Normans also brought their own traditions with them when they arrived. The two systems were not extremely conflicting, and eventually drew upon one another. Although local surnames, such as Barrymoor, were not entirely unknown to the Irish, this form of surname was much more popular with the Strongbownians. Local names were taken from the names of a place or a geographical feature where the person lived, held land, or was born. Originally, these place names were prefixed by de, which means from in French. This type of prefix was eventually either made a part of the surname, if the place name began with a vowel, or was eliminated entirely. The local names of these Anglo-Norman invaders first referred to places in Normandy, or more typically England, but eventually for those Strongbownians or their descendents that remained in Ireland, the local names really did begin to refer to local places or geographical features of the island. The Barrymoor family appears to have originally lived at Barrymore in the English county of Lincolnshire. The surname Barrymoor belongs to the large category of Anglo-Norman habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Barrymoor family

The surname Barrymoor was first found in County Cork (Irish: Corcaigh) the ancient Kingdom of Deis Muin (Desmond), located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where they were descended from the Barrys, Earls of Barrymore and Santry. They were of Anglo Norman origin and had settled briefly in Lincolnshire before joining Strongbow on his Irish invasion, in 1172 A.D.

Early History of the Barrymoor family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barrymoor research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1172 is included under the topic Early Barrymoor History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barrymoor Spelling Variations

It was found during an investigation of the origins of the name Barrymoor that church officials and medieval scribes often spelled the name as it sounded. This practice lead to a single person's being documented under many spelling variations. The name Barrymoor has existed in the various shapes: Barrymore, Berrymore, Barymore, Barrymoor and others.

Early Notables of the Barrymoor family

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

Migration of the Barrymoor family

Irish immigration to North American began in the late 18th century as many Irish families desired to own their own land. This pattern of immigration grew slowly yet steadily until the 1840s. At that time, a failed crop and a growing population in Ireland resulted in the Great Potato Famine. Poverty, disease, and starvation ravaged the land. To ease their pain and suffering the Irish often looked upon North America as a solution: hundreds of thousands undertook the voyage. Their arrival meant the growth of industry and commerce for British North America and the United States. For the individual Irishman, it meant survival and hope, and the opportunity for work, freedom, and ownership of land. The early immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Barrymoor: the family of Barrymore who in the late 19th century arrived in the New World and they were exemplified by the famous family of theatre and films, headed by John Barrymore..

The Barrymoor 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: Regi legi fidelis
Motto Translation: Faithful to king and law.