Capener History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Capener is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a lover or sweetheart. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word copiner, which means lover.

Early Origins of the Capener family

The surname Capener was first found in Devon where they held a family seat. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name flourished in Devon for more than six centuries. One of the first to be recorded was Richard Copener in that shire in 1242.

Early History of the Capener family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Capener research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Capener History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Capener Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Capener have been found, including Copner, Cobner, Coppener, Copenere, Capenor and others.

Early Notables of the Capener family

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

Capener migration to the United States +

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Capener surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were:

Capener Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

William Capener, who was an alien resident in New York in 1836
William Capener, who arrived in New York in 1836 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Capener (post 1700) +

R.H. Capener, English footballer who played one game as a forward for Burslem Port Vale in 1898

The Capener 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: Vivitur ingenio
Motto Translation: He lives by skill

Citations +

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)