Show ContentsOlderniss History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Olderniss is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the Holderness district in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It is now found in the county of Humberside. The place-name is derived from the Old Scandinavian words holdr, a landholding held by a member of the yeomanry, and nes, a promontory or headland.

Early Origins of the Olderniss family

The surname Olderniss was first found in East Riding of Yorkshire at Skipsea. "The manor is one of those which have continued members of the seigniory of Holderness to the present day. In the 12th of Edward III., the king granted a market to the place, to be held on Thursday in every week, and two fairs to be held annually, one on All Saints' day, and the other on the day of the translation of St. Thomas the Martyr." 1

Early History of the Olderniss family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Olderniss research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Olderniss History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Olderniss 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. Olderniss has been spelled many different ways, including Holderness, Holdernesse, Houlderness and others.

Early Notables of the Olderniss family

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

Migration of the Olderniss family

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 Oldernisss to arrive in North America: Henry Holdernesse arrived in Philadelphia in 1807; Edward and William Holderness settled in Philadelphia in 1820.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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