Modrige History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales

The origins of the Welsh name Modrige go back to the ancient Celtic culture that existed in the hills and Moors of Wales. The forbears that initially held the name Modrige once lived in or near the settlement of Mogridge in the southwestern English county of Devon. The surname Modrige belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Modrige family

The surname Modrige 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 they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Modrige family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Modrige research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Modrige History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Modrige Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Modrige has seen various spelling variations: Muggeridge, Mugeridge, Mugridge, Moderidge, Modridge and many more.

Early Notables of the Modrige family

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

Migration of the Modrige family

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in search of land, work, and freedom. These immigrants greatly contributed to the rapid development of the new nations of Canada and the United States. They also added a rich and lasting cultural heritage to their newly adopted societies. Investigation of immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Modrige: Charles Mugridge, who settled in Charleston in 1822; Francis Mugridge, who settled in Georgian in 1732; as well as J. Mugridge, who arrived in California in 1852..

The Modrige 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: Dat deus incrementum
Motto Translation: God gives increase.