Show ContentsSalmonte History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Salmonte is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the baptismal name for the son of Solomon. Patronymic surnames arose out of the vernacular and religious given name traditions. The vernacular or regional naming tradition is the oldest and most pervasive type of patronymic surname. According to this custom, names were originally composed of vocabulary elements from the local language. In the religious naming tradition, which was developed later than the vernacular tradition, surnames were bestowed in honor of religious figures or church officials. In Europe, the Christian Church was one of the most powerful influences on the formation of given names. Personal names derived from the names of saints, apostles, biblical figures, and missionaries are widespread in most European countries. In the Middle Ages, they became increasingly popular because people believed that the souls of the deceased continued to be involved in this world. They named their children after saints in the hope that the child would be blessed or protected by the saint.

Early Origins of the Salmonte family

The surname Salmonte was first found in Cumberland and Surrey. The manor of Salmons in Caterham, county Surrey is known to have belonged temp. Edward III to Roger Saleman. 1 The Salmond family of Waterfoot, Cumberland are or French origin, one of their ancestors having fled to England during the persecutions of the Huguenots.

One of the first records of the family was John Salmon (died 1325), Bishop of Norwich and Chancellor, "was probably of humble origin; his parents' names were Soloman and Amicia or Alice. He became a monk at Ely and was elected prior of that house before 1291. On the death of William of Louth in 1298 the majority of the chapter chose Prior Salmon as their bishop, but the minority chose John Langton, the king's chancellor and afterwards bishop of Chichester. The archbishop decided in favour of Salmon. " 2

Early History of the Salmonte family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Salmonte research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1644, 1648, 1675, 1679, 1690, 1706, 1713, 1742, 1767 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Salmonte History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Salmonte 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. Salmonte has been spelled many different ways, including Salmon, Salman, Salmond, Samon and others.

Early Notables of the Salmonte family

Notables of the family at this time include William Salmon (1644-1713), known as the "professor of five wives," English maker of drugs with questionable credentials. Nathanael Salmon (1675-1742), was an English historian and antiquary, the son of Thomas Salmon (1648-1706), who married Katherine, daughter of Serjeant John Bradshaw. Thomas Salmon (1679-1767) was a brother. He was admitted at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, on 11 June 1690. Salmon paid particular attention to the study of Roman remains in Great Britain. Thomas Salmon...
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Salmonte Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Salmonte family to Ireland

Some of the Salmonte family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 64 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Salmonte 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 Salmontes to arrive in North America: Elizabeth Salmon and her husband settled in Newfoundland in 1774; Jane Salmon and her husband settled in Virginia in 1663; William Salmon settled in St. Christopher in 1635 along with Peter.



The Salmonte 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: Optima sapientia probitas
Motto Translation: Probity is the best wisdom.


  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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