Show ContentsArmore History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Armore family

The surname Armore was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Armundus (without surname) was listed as a tenant. 1 Armore was an occupational name as in 'the armourer,' one who made armour. 2 3

Other records of the name mention Gwydo le Armerer, who was registered in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273-1279. The same rolls found John Armourer in County Cambridge. 2 Later Simon Larmouorer was later registered in 1334. 3 Thomas Larmer was found in Lancashire in 1400. John Armourer was Mayor of Rising, Norfolk in 1343. 4

To the north in Scotland, Adam le Armore and his wife Cunnore made a petition for redress against a distraint by the parson of Forde, Berwick. Simon le Armurer or Symon Larmeurer, a Scottish prisoner of war was held in Stirling Castle in 1305. Symon Armourer was bailie of Peeblesshire in 1329 and in 1337 John Armurer was one of the garrison of Edinburgh Castle. Symon Armourer was bailie of Forfar in 1361. This may be the same Simon Armurer who was party to an indenture or agreement with the inhabitants of Montrose in 1372. Robert Armorer who was bailie of Lanark in 1400 may be the Robert Armerer who held a tenement in Glasgow in 1497. 5

Early History of the Armore family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Armore research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1620, 1659, 1686 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Armore History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Armore Spelling Variations

The name Armore, appeared in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelt Armour, Armor, Lamor, Lamour, Armer, Larmer, Aarmour, Larrimer, Armourer and many more.

Early Notables of the Armore family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was

  • William Armorer of Cumberland

Ireland Migration of the Armore family to Ireland

Some of the Armore family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Armore family

The New World beckoned as many of the settlers in Ireland, known as the Scotch/Irish, became disenchanted. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Amongst the early settlers who could be considered kinsmen of the Armore family, or who bore a variation of the surname Armore were James Armour settled in New England in 1685; followed by Jane in 1820; John Armour settled in New Castle County Delaware in 1855; Joseph, Robert, and Thomas, settled in 1822.



The Armore 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: Cassis tutissima virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue is the safest helmet.


  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
  5. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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