Fitzthomas History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
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England
Wales-Alt
Wales
Ireland

The roots of the surname Fitzthomas lie in the rugged landscape of Wales. Fitzthomas was a popular Medieval given throughout Europe, coming from the popular biblical name. It is ultimately derived from the Aramaic personal name meaning "twin." Prior to the Norman Conquest, this name was rarely found, but by the 13th and 14th centuries, it became extremely common in Britain.

Early Origins of the Fitzthomas family

The surname Fitzthomas was first found in Breconshire (Welsh: Sir Frycheiniog), a traditional county in southern Wales, which takes its name from the Welsh kingdom of Brycheiniog (5th-10th centuries), where the family claims descendance from Owen Glendower, Lord of Glyndwyrdwy, Prince of South Wales.

Early History of the Fitzthomas family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fitzthomas research. Another 97 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1613, 1633, 1654, 1656, 1665, 1677, 1683, 1689 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Fitzthomas History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fitzthomas Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. People could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Fitzthomas name over the years has been spelled Thomas, Tomas, MacThomas, FitzThomas, Thomasett and others.

Early Notables of the Fitzthomas family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir William Thomas of Folkington; Rt. Rev. William Thomas D.D. (1613-1689), a Welsh Anglican bishop, Dean of Worcester (1665-1683), Bishop of St...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fitzthomas Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Fitzthomas family to Ireland

Some of the Fitzthomas family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 81 words (6 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 Fitzthomas family

The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Fitzthomas: Joe, John, Robert, and Nathaniel Thomas, who all settled in Virginia in 1621; as did Christopher Thomas in 1635 and Evan Thomas in 1653; Henry Thomas, who came to Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in 1685.

The Fitzthomas 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: I dduw bo'r diolch
Motto Translation: To God be thanks.