Vergine History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The surname Vergine comes from the Latin "virgo" meaning maiden, from which is derived the English word virgin. It is possible that the surname was originally a nickname for someone who had played the part of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a mystery play.

Early Origins of the Vergine family

The surname Vergine was first found in 1275 in Kent, where Simon Virg' who was listed in the Rotuli Hundredorum under the direction of Edward I. 1

Early History of the Vergine family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vergine research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1428, 1581, 1587, 1610 and 1637 are included under the topic Early Vergine History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Vergine Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Virgin, Virgine,Vergin, Vergine, Virgo, Virgoe and many more.

Early Notables of the Vergine family

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

Migration of the Vergine family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Vergine or a variant listed above: John and Susan Virgo, who settled in Virginia in 1624; Robert Virgin, who settled in Virginia in 1637; Thomas Virgo, who was granted land by William Penn in Pennsylvania in 1682.

The Vergine 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: Nunc aut nunquam
Motto Translation: Now or never.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)