Show ContentsFelthen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Felthen family, who lived in Middlesex, where they were Lords of the Manor of Feltham.

Early Origins of the Felthen family

The surname Felthen was first found in Middlesex at Feltham, today a suburban town in the London Borough of Hounslow, West London. "This place, which is noticed in Domesday Book, is supposed to have been originally called Feldham, signifying 'the field village.' " 1 Actually the parish dates back to Saxon times when in 969 it was known as Feltham. 2

The aforementioned Domesday Book actually lists the parish as Felteham. 3 The lands were originally granted by the Count of Mortaine on behalf of Duke William. They were Lords of the manor of Feltham, and under tenants to the Count, and the name emerged as de Feltham. The manor house and nearly the entire village was rebuilt in 1634 after and accidental fire which also claimed the parish records.

Early History of the Felthen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Felthen research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1602, 1620, 1631 and 1668 are included under the topic Early Felthen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Felthen Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Felthen were recorded, including Fealtham, Feltham, Feltam, Fealtam and others.

Early Notables of the Felthen family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Owen Feltham (1602-1668), an English writer, author of a book entitled Resolves, Divine, Moral, and Political (c. 1620.) He "was son of Thomas Felltham of Mutford in Suffolk, and of Mary, daughter of John Ufflete of Somerleyton in Suffolk. From a Latin epitaph in the church of...
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Felthen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Felthen family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Felthen arrived in North America very early: Thomas Feltham settled in Virginia in 1649; Joseph Feltham arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1846; In Newfoundland, John Feltham held fishing rights at Pig Island in 1803.



The Felthen 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: Portanti spolia palma
Motto Translation: The prize is to him that carries off the booty.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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