Prytherch History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales

This old, proud name is a patronymic name created from the Welsh personal name Rhydderc, Riderch, or Roderick, all of which mean "reddish-brown." The surname Prytherch features the distinctive Welsh patronymic prefix "ap-," which means "son of." The original form of the name was ap-Rhydderc, or ap-Riderch, but the prefix has been assimilated into the surname over the course of time.

Early Origins of the Prytherch family

The surname Prytherch was first found in Carmarthenshire (Welsh: Sir Gaerfyrddin), located in Southwest Wales, one of thirteen historic counties and presently one of the principal area in Wales, 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 Prytherch family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Prytherch research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Prytherch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Prytherch Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. People could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Prytherch name over the years has been spelled Protheroe, Prytherch, Prothers, Rhydderch and others.

Early Notables of the Prytherch family

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

Prytherch migration to the United States +

The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Prytherch:

Prytherch Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Samuel Prytherch, aged 11, who arrived in America from Denbigh, Wales, in 1893
William Prytherch, aged 16, who arrived in America from Denbigh, Wales, in 1893
Jane Prytherch, aged 16, who arrived in America, in 1896

Prytherch Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Annie Prytherch, aged 25, who arrived in America from Atherton, England, in 1913
Dora Prytherch, aged 0, who arrived in America from Atherton, England, in 1913
Elly Prytherch, aged 3, who arrived in America from Atherton, England, in 1913
Ada Prytherch, aged 23, who arrived in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1913
Ellena Prytherch, aged 44, who arrived in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1913
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Prytherch 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: Deus pascit corvos
Motto Translation: God feeds the ravens.