Erchibald History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The Erchibald Surname comes from the Norman French given name Archambault, which could also be found in more "Germanic" forms such as Arcenbaldus and Arcebaldus 1 which in the early days were baptismal names. 2 "The same as Erchenbald, a powerful, bold, and speedy learner or observer." 1 3

Early Origins of the Erchibald family

The surname Erchibald was first found in throughout Southern England. As a personal name, Erchibald can be found in the Domesday Book (1086) as Erchenbaldus, Arcenbaldus, and Arcebaldus. 4 The first record of the family name was actually as a forename, that of a Archembold Wiverun who was listed in the Pipe Rolls for 1130. Later, Robert Archenbold was recorded in the Pipe Rolls for Gloucestershire in 1210. William Erchebaud was listed in the Feet of Fines for Suffolk in 1239, Thomas Herchebaud in the Subsidy Rolls for Yorkshire in 1302 and Agnes Archebald in the Subsidy Rolls for Suffolk in 1327. 3

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included two entries for the family both found in Cambridgeshire: Roger Arkebald; and Richard Arkebolt. The Register of the University of Oxford noted that Richard Archebold was enrolled there Oct. 30, 1451. 5

Early History of the Erchibald family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Erchibald research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1239, 1302, 1327, 1616, 1650, 1785, 1822, 1870 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Erchibald History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Erchibald Spelling Variations

Multitudes of spelling variations are a hallmark of Anglo Norman names. Most of these names evolved in the 11th and 12th century, in the time after the Normans introduced their own Norman French language into a country where Old and Middle English had no spelling rules and the languages of the court were French and Latin. To make matters worse, medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, so names frequently appeared differently in the various documents in which they were recorded. The name was spelled Archbold, Archbald, Archibaldson, Archibald, Archibold, Harchbald, Arkanbaldus, Archebald and many more.

Early Notables of the Erchibald family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Erchibald Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Erchibald family to Ireland

Some of the Erchibald family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 74 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 Erchibald family

Because of this political and religious unrest within English society, many people decided to immigrate to the colonies. Families left for Ireland, North America, and Australia in enormous numbers, traveling at high cost in extremely inhospitable conditions. The New World in particular was a desirable destination, but the long voyage caused many to arrive sick and starving. Those who made it, though, were welcomed by opportunities far greater than they had known at home in England. Many of these families went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Erchibald or a variant listed above: James Archibald, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1627; George Archibald, who received a land grant in Virginia in 1676; David Archibald who arrived in Truro, N.S. before 1800.

The Erchibald 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: Ut reficiar
Motto Translation: That I may be replenished.

Citations +

Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
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)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)