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![Show Contents]() Croftan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The ancestry of the name Croftan dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It comes from when the family lived as dwellers by a croft or small farm or enclosure. The surname Croftan originally derived from croeft, an Old English word for a small farm. 1 Early Origins of the Croftan familyThe surname Croftan was first found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. These early rolls included: Richard de Crofton and Robert de Crofton in Buckinghamshire as both holding lands that at that time. 2 Later the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed Robertus de Croftone; Agnes de Crofton; and Thomas de Crofton. Early History of the Croftan familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Croftan research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1232, 1585, 1586, 1626, 1657, 1661, 1671, 1672, 1690, 1734, 1842 and 1911 are included under the topic Early Croftan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Croftan 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 Croftan have been found, including Crofton, Croftone, Crofden, Croften and others. Early Notables of the Croftan familyAnother 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Croftan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Croftan family to Ireland
Some of the Croftan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 452 words (32 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 Croftan 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. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Croftan, or a variant listed above: Phillip Crofton who settled in Philadelphia in 1869; Thomas Crofton settled in Philadelphia in 1850.
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: Dat deus incrementum
Motto Translation: God gives increase.
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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England
Ireland
