Show ContentsLarmer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Larmer can either be derived from the Old French word for love "amor" or from the phrase "at the moor," shortened to A'Moor, implying one who lived near a moor.

Early Origins of the Larmer family

The surname Larmer was first found in Oxfordshire, where Adam ate More and Oliva Ate More were recorded in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 1

Early History of the Larmer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Larmer research. Another 35 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1467, 1479 and 1528 are included under the topic Early Larmer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Larmer Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Larmer have been found, including Amor, Amore, Amour, Amoor, Amoore and others.

Early Notables of the Larmer family

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

Migration of the Larmer family

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Larmer were among those contributors: Susan Amor, who was sent to Barbados in 1657; Richard Amor, who immigrated to Delaware Bay in 1682; William Amor, who arrived with William Penn in Pennsylvania in 1682.


Contemporary Notables of the name Larmer (post 1700) +

  • Steven Donald Larmer (b. 1961), retired Canadian professional NHL ice hockey forward, brother of Jeff Larmer
  • Jeffrey "Jeff" Larmer (b. 1962), retired Canadian professional NHL ice hockey player who played from 1982 to 1994


The Larmer 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: Tu ne cede malis
Motto Translation: Yield not to misfortunes.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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