Show ContentsErpinhan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Erpinhan is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Erpinhan family lived in Norfolk. The name, however, derives from the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Herpingham, Normandy.

Early Origins of the Erpinhan family

The surname Erpinhan was first found in Norfolk where they were conjecturally descended from Roger Bigod, one of the most distinguished of all Norman nobles, who was granted the lands by King William, Duke of Normandy after the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D, and was a junior branch of the Bigots. The village of Erpingham or anciently Herpincham consisted largely of a church and cottages, and was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. "The church, which is in the decorated and later English styles, with a lofty embattled tower, was repaired in 1841; in the south aisle is a brass effigy of a knight in armour, to the memory of Sir John de Erpingham, a great contributor towards the erection of the church." 1

Early History of the Erpinhan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Erpinhan research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Erpinhan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Erpinhan Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Erpinhan include Erpingham, Erpincham, Herpingham, Herpincham, Empringham and many more.

Early Notables of the Erpinhan family

More information is included under the topic Early Erpinhan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Erpinhan family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Erpinhans to arrive on North American shores: Thomas Erpingham settled in Barbados in 1685.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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