Furend History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancient name Furend is a Norman name that would have been developed in England after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This name was a name given to a person with gray hair, or who habitually dressed in gray. Checking further we found the name was derived from the Old French word, ferrant, which means gray (a reference to the color of iron). Another derivation suggests that the name is a corruption of Ferrant, the Old French form of Ferdinand. Time has confused the different derivations, and it is now extremely difficult to tell which is appropriate in a given situation.

Early Origins of the Furend family

The surname Furend was first found in Yorkshire where they were granted lands by William the Conqueror and appointed to the Wardenship of Skipton Castle, for the Cliffords, the chief tenants shown in the Domesday Book. They were under the protection and patronage of the ancient Earl of Albermarle.

Early History of the Furend family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Furend research. Another 175 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1510, 1651 and 1850 are included under the topic Early Furend History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Furend 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 Furend were recorded, including Ferrant, Ferrand, Ferand, Ferrante and others.

Early Notables of the Furend family

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

Migration of the Furend 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 Furend arrived in North America very early: Phillip Ferrant arrived in Virginia in 1654; George Ferand arrived at Providence R.I. in 1823; John Andrew Ferand arrived in Philadelphia in 1797; Benjamin arrived in New York in 1812.

The Furend 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: Justus propositi tenax
Motto Translation: The just is firm of purpose.