Oak History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe present generation of the Oak family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived near a notable oak tree or near a group of oaks. The surname Oak is derived from the Old English word ac, which means oak. The surname Oak belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. Early Origins of the Oak familyThe surname Oak was first found in Somerset where Oake is a village and civil parish that dates back to before the Norman Copnquest when it was listed as Acon in 897. The place was listed as Acha in the Domesday Book [1] and literally means "place at the oak trees" from the Old Englisk word "ac" [2] Early History of the Oak familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Oak research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1606, 1631, 1640, 1644, 1645, 1662, 1675, 1680, 1681 and 1719 are included under the topic Early Oak History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Oak Spelling VariationsUntil the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Oak include Oak, Oake, Oakes, Oke, Okes and others. Early Notables of the Oak familyNotables of the family at this time include
Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Oak were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Oak Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Oak Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Oak Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Oak Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Halifax Explosion
HMS Repulse
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: Quercus robur salus patria Motto Translation: The strength of the oak is the safety of our country.
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