Arpen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Arpen reached English shores for the first time with the ancestors of the Arpen family as they migrated following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Arpen family lived in Norfolk. The name, however, is a reference to Erpen, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Early Origins of the Arpen family

The surname Arpen was first found in Norfolk where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Arpen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Arpen research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Arpen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Arpen Spelling Variations

Before 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 Arpen include Orpen, Orbin, Erpen, Arpen, Orpingham, Orpington, Orpin and many more.

Early Notables of the Arpen family

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

Migration of the Arpen family to Ireland

Some of the Arpen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Arpen family

In 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 Arpens to arrive on North American shores: John Orpen arrived in Barbados in 1680 with his wife and servants; Edward Orpen, who arrived in Halifax, N.S. sometime between 1598 and 1867; as well as Saml Orpen, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750..

The Arpen 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: Veritas vincit
Motto Translation: Truth Conquers.