Sonders History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The Anglo-Norman surname Sonders is derived from the name Saunder, which is a pet form of the personal name Alexander. This name was originally derived from the Greek personal name Alexandros which literally means defender of men.

Early Origins of the Sonders family

The surname Sonders was first found in County Wicklow (Irish: Cill Mhantáin), known as the “last county,” created only in 1606, located on the East coast of Ireland, today part of the Greater Dublin Area, where they were granted lands by Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, for their assistance in the invasion of Ireland in 1172.

Early History of the Sonders family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sonders research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1530, 1555, 1581, 1620, 1648, 1683, 1695 and 1710 are included under the topic Early Sonders History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sonders Spelling Variations

During an investigation of the origin of each name, it was found that church officials and medieval scribes spelled many surnames as they sounded. Therefore, during the lifetime of a single person, a name could be spelt numerous ways. Some of the spelling variations for the name Sonders include Saunders, Sanders, Sawnders, Sainders, Saynders, Saunderrs, Sannders, Sanderrs, Saunder and many more.

Early Notables of the Sonders family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was Laurence Saunders, a preacher of Northamptonshire, burned at the stake on February 8, 1555 for his Protestant views. Nicholas Sanders or Sander (ca. 1530-1581), was an English controversialist and historian, one of the twelve children of William Sanders of Aston, one time High Sheriff...
Another 53 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sonders Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sonders family

Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape the horrific conditions. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Sonders: Alexander Sanders who settled in Virginia in 1623; along with David, George, Henry, Richard; William Sanders settled in Barbados in 1680 with his servants.

The Sonders 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: Nil Conscire Sibi
Motto Translation: Conscious of no Wrong.