Semcoh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The proud Semcoh family originated in Cornwall, a rugged coastal region in southwestern England. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. The manner in which hereditary surnames arose is interesting. Local surnames are derived from where the original bearer lived, was born, or held land. The Semcoh family originally lived in the village of Simcoe in the county of Cornwall.

Early Origins of the Semcoh family

The surname Semcoh was first found in Cornwall where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the Semcoh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Semcoh research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1609, 1631, 1645 and 1695 are included under the topic Early Semcoh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Semcoh Spelling Variations

Cornish surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The official court languages, which were Latin and French, were also influential on the spelling of a surname. Since the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent in medieval times, and scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings of their surname in the ancient chronicles. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into England, which accelerated and accentuated the alterations to the spelling of various surnames. Lastly, spelling variations often resulted from the linguistic differences between the people of Cornwall and the rest of England. The Cornish spoke a unique Brythonic Celtic language which was first recorded in written documents during the 10th century. However, they became increasingly Anglicized, and Cornish became extinct as a spoken language in 1777, although it has been revived by Cornish patriots in the modern era. The name has been spelled Simcoe, Simco, Simcock, Simcox and others.

Early Notables of the Semcoh family

Notable amongst the family at this time was John Simcocks (1609-1695), English Jesuit, born in London in 1609. "Destined from early life for the priesthood, he studied the humanities at the college of St. Omer. In 1631 he entered...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Semcoh Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Semcoh family

A look at the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Semcoh: John Simcock settled in Delaware in 1682 with his two sons; Anne Simco settled with her husband in Virginia in 1653; Alice Symcocks settled in Virginia in 1635..

The Semcoh 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: Non sibi sed patriae
Motto Translation: For his country, not for himself.