Show ContentsFarnborow History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Farnborow family

The surname Farnborow was first found in West Berkshire at Farnborough, a small village and civil parish amongst the Berkshire Downs north of Newbury which dates back to c. 935 when it was first listed as Fearnbeorgan. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the village was listed as Fermeberge. 1 This is by far the oldest village but others by the same name can be found in Hampshire, Greater London and in Warwickshire. The family name was first referenced in the year 1190 when Leford of Farmborough appeared on tax rolls.

Early History of the Farnborow family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Farnborow research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Farnborow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Farnborow Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Farnborow include Farnborough, Farmborough, Farnborow, Farmborow, Farnbro, Farmbro, Farnburgh and many more.

Early Notables of the Farnborow family

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

Migration of the Farnborow family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Farnborow or a variant listed above: Eliz Farme, who came to Virginia in 1658; Thomas Farmborrough, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1682; and Benja Farmbrough, who settled in Virginia in 1701..



The Farnborow 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: Deus noster refugium
Motto Translation: Our God is our refuge.


  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)


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