| ![Show Contents]() Seafant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England The name Seafant is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in the county of Worcester. Seafant is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. During the Middle Ages, as society became more complex, individuals needed a way to be distinguishable from others. Toponymic surnames were developed as a result of this need. Various features in the landscape or area were used to distinguish people from one another. In this case the original bearers of the surname Seafant were named due to their close proximity to the River Severn, the longest river in Great Britain. During the Roman occupation the Severn was known by the Latin name Sabrina. 1 Early Origins of the Seafant familyThe surname Seafant was first found in Worcestershire where John Seuarne was recorded as holding lands in the Subsidy Roll of 1327. Later in Gloucestershire, William Seuarne was listed in 1362. 2 Early History of the Seafant familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Seafant research. Another 124 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1300 and 1675 are included under the topic Early Seafant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Seafant Spelling VariationsThe 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. Seafant has been spelled many different ways, including Severne, Severn, Seven, Sevens, Severin, Seffern, Sefferin and many more. Early Notables of the Seafant familyMore information is included under the topic Early Seafant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Seafant familyThousands 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 Seafants to arrive in North America: Charles Severin settled in Philadelphia in 1834; Samuel Severn settled in Maryland in 1774; Arthur Severne settled in Virginia in 1654; Benjamin Severn arrived in Philadelphia in 1813.
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: Virtus praestantior auro
Motto Translation: Virtue is more excellent than gold.
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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