Algernon History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsAlgernon is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from a group of baptismal surnames which all mean the son of Eggar or the son of Agar. "Probably a form of Algar, a Domesday personal name, and very popular for several centuries." 1 "Aighear signifies gladness, joy, gayety. If from the Latin ager, it denotes a field or land." 2 In Scotland, "Aeggar was king of the Scots a. 1189." 3 Early Origins of the Algernon familyThe surname Algernon was first found in the counties of Yorkshire and Northumberland, where they held a family seat from ancient times. "The Agars, an old York family of the 17th and 18th centuries, gained considerable estate by trade and founded a hospital in that city. Thomas Agar, tanner, was lord mayor of York in 1618, and the same office was filled by Thomas Agar, woollen draper, in 1724. Agar is still a York name." 4 Early History of the Algernon familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Algernon research. Another 35 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1672, 1703, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1727, 1733 and 1782 are included under the topic Early Algernon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Algernon Spelling VariationsSpelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Algernon have been found, including Agar, Algar, Alger, Algore, Augar, Auger, Elger, Elgar, Eager, Eagar, Etches, Eaches and many more. Early Notables of the Algernon familyNotables of this surname at this time include: John Eager, born 1782 at Norwich, where his father was a musical instrument maker and organ builder. Having learned from his father the rudiments of music, he was at twelve years old taken under the care of the Duke of Dorset, an amateur violinist, who carried him to his seat at Knole, where free access to the library enabled him to repair the defects of his early education. His patron... Migration of the Algernon family to IrelandSome of the Algernon family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Algernon familyFamilies began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Algernon, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : William Agar who settled in Salem Massachusetts in 1630; William Eaches settled in Virginia in 1626; Edward Agar settled in Virginia in 1635; followed by Benjamin in 1774.
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: Spectemur agendo Motto Translation: Let us be judged by our actions.
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