Bathory History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales

The name Bathory is a patronymic surname that comes from the Welsh personal name Atha. The original form of the surname Bathory featured the distinctive Welsh patronymic prefix "-ab," meaning "son of." The name was ab-Atha, which gradually became Batha. This surname may have also been an occupational surname given to the keeper of a bath.

Early Origins of the Bathory family

The surname Bathory was first found in Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych), a historic county in Northeast Wales created by the Laws in Wales Act 1536, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Bathory family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bathory research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1391, 1574, 1586, 1590, 1598, 1616, 1622, 1683, 1752 and 1767 are included under the topic Early Bathory History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bathory Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. People could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Bathory name over the years has been spelled Bather, Ap Atha, Bathar, Bathaw, Batho, Bathoe, Bayther and many more.

Early Notables of the Bathory family

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

Migration of the Bathory family

Many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, searching for land, work, and freedom. Like the many other immigrants from the British Isles, they made a significant contribution to the development of Canada and the United States. The Welsh and their descendents added a rich cultural tradition to the newly developed towns, cities, and villages. An investigation of the immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Bathory: Frank Bathers who arrived in Virginia in 1648.

The Bathory 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: Ut vivas vigila
Motto Translation: Watch that you may live.