Gird History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Gird family

The surname Gird was first found in Kent where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1275 when Richard and John Gard held Lands.

Early History of the Gird family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gird research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1605, 1606, 1645, 1662 and 1697 are included under the topic Early Gird History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gird Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Gird has been spelled many different ways, including Gard, Guard, Garde, Guarde and others.

Early Notables of the Gird family

Distinguished members of the family include William Dugard, or Du Gard, (1606-1662), English schoolmaster and printer who printed many important documents and propaganda, first in support of Charles I and later of Oliver Cromwell. He was the son of the Rev. Henry Dugard and was born at the Hodges, Bromsgrove...
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gird Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gird migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Girds to arrive in North America:

Gird Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

James J. Gird, who settled in America, in 1911
Rejzia Gird, aged 56, who immigrated to the United States from Luck, Poland, in 1921

The Gird 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: Toujours fidele
Motto Translation: Always faithful.