Edwarthy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The Edwarthy surname is derived from the old English word "Eadweard" which means "prosperity guard." 1 Prior to the Norman Conquest of England, Edward was a common personal name; its popularity probably due to the fact that Edward the Confessor (1003-1066) had been the Patron Saint of England before Saint George.

Early Origins of the Edwarthy family

The surname Edwarthy was first found in Wiltshire where Edward of Salisbury, also known as Edward the Sheriff (of Wiltshire) held land at the time of the Domesday Survey. He was an ancestor of Earls of Salisbury.

The name appeared as Eaduuardus, Eduuardus, Eduuard in the Domesday Book. 2

Kirby's Quest of Somerset listed William Edward in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III.) 3 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 lists: Adam Edward; Willelmus Edward, taylour; and Ricardus Edward. 4

Early History of the Edwarthy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Edwarthy research. Another 153 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1206, 1219, 1279, 1283, 1471, 1523, 1540, 1547, 1563, 1576, 1582, 1597, 1615, 1637, 1658, 1678, 1711, 1801 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Edwarthy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Edwarthy Spelling Variations

Edwarthy has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Edwards, Edward, Edwardes and others.

Early Notables of the Edwarthy family

Distinguished members of the family include Humphrey Edwards (1582-1658), one of the regicides of King Charles I of England, attended Shrewsbury School in 1615, appointed a gentleman to King Charles I of England in 1637.Richard Edwardes, a native of Somersetshire, born in 1523. He was educated under George Etheridge, 'one of the most excellent vocal and instrumental musicians in England' -of whom however nothing more is known. On May 11, 1540, he was admitted a scholar of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. In 1547, on the foundation of Christ Church College, he became a student there, and in the...
Another 98 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Edwarthy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Edwarthy family to Ireland

Some of the Edwarthy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 67 words (5 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 Edwarthy family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Edwarthys to arrive on North American shores: Old Edward who arrived at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607; John Edward who settled in Virginia in 1699; Richard Edward, who settled in St. Christopher in 1633.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
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.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)