Fynch History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Fynch has a history dating as far back as the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a person who was referred to as a finch deriving from the small songbird's name. The surname may have also an occupational origin, denoting someone who caught and sold finches. 1 2 Godric Finc was listed as an Old English Byname (1049-1058.) Later, Ælfwin Finche, and Allwin Finke were recorded (1148-1167.) 3 Early Origins of the Fynch familyThe surname Fynch was first found in Hertfordshire where they held a family seat at Redheath. Conjecturally the name became established as Finch by Vincent Herbert of Winchelsea, who by a strange combination of Vincent and Winch of Winchelsea, bore the alias of Finch, and became the Earl of Winchelsea, having the Christian name of Finch. 4 "Vincent Herbert of Winchelsea, 20 Edward I. [(during the twentieth year of Edward I's reign)] bore the alias of Finch. The early pedigree of the Earl of Winchelsea's family is very obscure. Their former surname was Herbert, and one of the earliest if not the first who was known as Finch was this very Vincent. In Sussex the baptismal name Vincent is often corrupted to Winch or Vinch." 4 In Norfolk, the first record was that of Gilbert le Finch who was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1205. Walter le Vinch was found in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1275 and later again, John Vynk was found in Colchester in 1373. "Ælfwin (Aylwin) Finche, Finke was of the family which gave name to Finch Lane and St Benet Fink in London." 3 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list Thomas Finch, Cambridgeshire and the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1370 include: Agnes Finche; Thomas Fynche; and Johannes Fynche. 5 In Somerset, Philip Fynch was listed there, 1 Edward III (during the first year of Edward III's reign.) 6 "The name of Finch was well represented in the eastern counties of Norfolk, Lincoln, Cambridge, and Bedford, in the reign of Edward I., and there were at that time a few of the name in Shropshire. It now occurs also in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire." 7 Early History of the Fynch familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fynch research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1300, 1337, 1379, 1584, 1599, 1614, 1621, 1626, 1627, 1628, 1639, 1649, 1660, 1672, 1682, 1689, 1698, 1702, 1704, 1705, 1711, 1712, 1719, 1729, 1738, 1901 and 1933 are included under the topic Early Fynch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Fynch Spelling VariationsSpelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Fynch have been found, including Finch, Vinch, Vynch, Fynch, Vince, Vynche and others. Early Notables of the Fynch familyNotables of the family at this time include
Migration of the Fynch family to IrelandSome of the Fynch family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Fynch, or a variant listed above: Fynch Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
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: Nil conscire sibi Motto Translation: To have a conscience free from guilt.
|