| ![Show Contents]() Follette History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The Follette surname comes from the Old French word "fol," meaning "mad," or "stupid." This in turn comes from the Latin word "follis" which formerly referred to anything filled with air, but which later took on metaphorical connotation of vanity. As a surname, it was most likely a nickname for a free-spirited or eccentric person, which was later adopted as a hereditary surname. Early Origins of the Follette familyThe surname Follette was first found in Kent where they held a family seat from early times. The earliest record found of the name in Britain, is in the Domesday Book of 1086, which shows a William Folet in Kent. Follette may be descended from a family, which originated in Cotentin, in western Normandy. Of this line was Sampson Foliot, Seigneur, (or Lord) of Montfarville, near Cherbourg. Early History of the Follette familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Follette research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1147, 1158 and 1599 are included under the topic Early Follette History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Follette Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Follette include Folet, Follet, Follett and others. Early Notables of the Follette familyMore information is included under the topic Early Follette Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Follette family to Ireland
Some of the Follette family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Follette familyIn England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Follettes to arrive on North American shores: William Follet, who came to New Hampshire in 1651; Ed Follett, who arrived in Virginia in 1665; Henry Follett, a servant sent to Virginia in 1667; Abell Follett, who settled in Maryland in 1660.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Follette (post 1700) | + |
- William H. Follette, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from New York 36th District, 1908 1
- Suzaane La Follette, American politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from New York 19th District, 1964 2
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: Quo virtus ducit scando
Motto Translation: I climb where virtue leads
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England
Ireland
