Charde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

This ancient name derives its name from "Cherde, Cerde, which name is traditionally derived from Cerdic, the West-Saxon king." 1

Early Origins of the Charde family

The surname Charde was first found in Somerset at Chard, a borough, market-town, and parish, and the head of a union, in the hundred of Kingsbury-East. "This was a place of considerable importance during the heptarchy, and was by the Saxons called Cerdre (subsequently Cherde or Cerde), a name supposed to be derived from Cerdic, the founder of the kingdom of Wessex. In the 14th of Edward I. it was incorporated by Bishop Joslin, who set apart fifty-two acres out of his manor of Cherde" 2

Another reference claims the Saxons called the place Cerdren 3 in 1065 but was listed three years later in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Cerdre. 4 Literally the place name possibly meant "house or building in rough ground," from the Old English words "ceart" + "aern." 3 5

One of the first records of the family was John Chard who was listed in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III.) 6

Years later, John ate Charde was listed in the Assize Rolls for Wiltshire in 1281 and later again, Hugh de Cherde was found at Glastonbury, Somerset in 1335. 5

Early History of the Charde family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Charde research. Another 52 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1765, 1787, 1802, 1812, 1832 and 1849 are included under the topic Early Charde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Charde Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Charde are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Charde include: Chard, Charde, Chards and others.

Early Notables of the Charde family

Notables of this surname at this time include: George William Chard, born about 1765. He received his early musical education in the choir of St. Paul's under Robert Hudson, Mus. Bac. In 1787 he became lay clerk of Winchester Cathedral, and some years later in 1802 was appointed organist of...
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Charde Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Charde family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Charde or a variant listed above: Anne Chard who settled in Virginia in 1623; John Chard who settled in Barbados in 1634; Joshua settled in Virginia in 1623; Rachel and George arrived in Pennsylvania in 1773..

The Charde 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: Nil desperandum
Motto Translation: Never despairing.

Citations +

Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.