Chord History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThis ancient name derives its name from "Cherde, Cerde, which name is traditionally derived from Cerdic, the West-Saxon king." 1 Early Origins of the Chord familyThe surname Chord 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 Chord familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chord research. Another 52 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1765, 1787, 1802, 1812, 1832 and 1849 are included under the topic Early Chord History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Chord Spelling VariationsOne relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Chord has appeared include Chard, Charde, Chards and others. Early Notables of the Chord familyNotables 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...
At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Chord arrived in North America very early: Chord Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
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.
|