Show ContentsEcheroode History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Echeroode is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in a clearing surrounded by oak trees. This Yorkshire surname is derived from the Old English words ac, which means oak, and rod, which means clearing. Collectively, the name literally means "dweller at the oak clearing."[1] [2]

Early Origins of the Echeroode family

The surname Echeroode was first found in the West, East and North Ridings of the county of Yorkshire. "A well-known Yorkshire surname." [3]

One of the first records of the family was Richard de Akerode who was listed in the Yorkshire Testamenta Eboracensia (Surtees Society.) [3]

Hugo Aikroide was listed as a Freeman of York in 1612 as was Henry Ackroyd in 1645, and Henry Akeroyd in 1648. [2]

A search through the Register of the University of Oxford revealed: John Acroyd, Yorkshire, 1612; Matthew Aickroid, Yorkshire, 1618; and Samuel Akeroyd, Yorkshire, 1619-1620.

The Eskrigge and Eskridge variants were found in the parish of Eskrigg in Lancashire.

Early History of the Echeroode family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Echeroode research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1569, 1624, 1685, 1687, 1688, 1692, 1693, 1694, 1696 and 1934 are included under the topic Early Echeroode History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Echeroode Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Echeroode were recorded, including Ackroyd, Akroyd, Ackeroyd, Achroyd, Aykroyd, Akrood, Eckroyd, Ecroyd, Akrode, Eckridge and many more.

Early Notables of the Echeroode family

Notables of the family at this time include Samuel Akeroyde, a native of Yorkshire who was a very popular and prolific composer of songs in the latter part of the 17th century. Many of his compositions are contained in the following collections of the period: 'D'Urfey's...
Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Echeroode Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Echeroode family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Echeroode family emigrate to North America: John Ackroyd who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1842; Reuden Ackroyd who also settled in Philadelphia in 1873; William Ackroyd who settled in Philadelphia in 1851.



The Echeroode 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: In veritate victoria
Motto Translation: Victory in Truth.


  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. 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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