Bonair History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Early Origins of the Bonair family

The surname Bonair was first found in Herefordshire where Bonner is an ancient name. "As Boner and Bonere, it occurred in Oxfordshire and Huntingdonshire in the reign of Edward I." 1

Early History of the Bonair family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bonair research. Another 231 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1281, 1451, 1500, 1548, 1569 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Bonair History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bonair 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 Bonner, Boner, Bonners, Bonar, Bonnar, Bonare and many more.

Early Notables of the Bonair family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Edmund Bonner (c.1500-1569), Bishop of London, who became known as Bloody Bonner for his role in the persecution of heretics under the Catholic government of Mary I of England. He was later...
Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bonair Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bonair family to Ireland

Some of the Bonair family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 51 words (4 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 Bonair 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 Bonair or a variant listed above: John and Michael Bonar landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1847 and 1879 respectively; Hugh Bonar settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1767.

The Bonair 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: Semper fidelis
Motto Translation: Always faithful.

Citations +

Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.