Fairbrays History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Fairbrays family

The surname Fairbrays was first found in Oxfordshire where John Fierebrache was listed in the Pipe Rolls there in 1190. 1 The name is generally thought to have two possible origins.

Firstly, the name could have been a nickname for someone who had an "iron-arm," 2 having derived from the Old French words "fer, fier" or the Middle English word "feer, fere" which mean "bold, fierce, proud," + the French word "bras" meaning "arm." 1

Secondly, the name could have been Norman in origin and the family could have come to Britain about the time of the Conquest. 3 Early records finds them scattered through Britain as seen by John Fierbrace who was listed in Pipe Rolls of Essex in 1196; 1 and the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Robert Ferebras in Buckinghamshire; Henry Ferebraz in Oxfordshire; and John Ferbraz in Buckinghamshire. 2

Early History of the Fairbrays family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fairbrays research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1196, 1455, 1487, 1619, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1652, 1680, 1687, 1690, 1691, 1692, 1712, 1724, 1727 and 1759 are included under the topic Early Fairbrays History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fairbrays Spelling Variations

Fairbrays 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: Firebrace, Firbrace, Firebrass, Firbrash, Fairbrass, Fairbrace, Farbrace and many more.

Early Notables of the Fairbrays family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir Henry Firebrace (c. 1619-1691) English courtier to Charles I, Clerk of the Green Cloth for King Charles II. He was the sixth son of Robert Firebrace of Derby, who died in 1645. He became much attached to the king, and was able to be of service to him on more than one occasionâ€”at Uxbridge, in connection with the negotiations there in...
Another 67 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fairbrays Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Fairbrays 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 Fairbrayss to arrive on North American shores: settlers, who arrived along the eastern seaboard, from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.

The Fairbrays 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: Fideli quid obstat
Motto Translation: What stands in the way of the faithful

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.