Ormroyd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

In ancient Anglo-Saxon England, the ancestors of the Ormroyd surname lived in a clearing in a wood. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old Scandinavian personal name Ormr and the Old English word rod, which meant "forest clearing." The name as a whole means "clearing of a man named Ormr." The original bearer lived in or near a clearing known by this name.

Early Origins of the Ormroyd family

The surname Ormroyd was first found in Lancashire where the first recorded ancestor was Matthew de Hormerodes, living about 1270. 1

Early History of the Ormroyd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ormroyd research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1653 and 1793 are included under the topic Early Ormroyd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ormroyd Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Ormroyd are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Ormroyd include: Ormerod, Omerod, Omrod, Ormrod and others.

Early Notables of the Ormroyd family

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

Migration of the Ormroyd family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Ormroyd or a variant listed above: George and Thomas Omrod, who settled in Philadelphia in 1880 and 1840 respectively.

Citations +

Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.