Sherriff History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Sherriff comes from one of the family having worked as a person who held the office of sheriff. This occupational surname was originally derived from the Old English words scir meaning shire and refa meaning reeve. The surname was originally derived from the "shire-reeve," a Vice Count who was in charge of the law for a shire or county. 1 Before the Norman Conquest the sheriff was the king's representative in a county, responsible for every aspect of local administration in England. Early Origins of the Sherriff familyThe surname Sherriff was first found in Warwickshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects. Early History of the Sherriff familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sherriff research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1567 is included under the topic Early Sherriff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Sherriff Spelling VariationsSpelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Sherriff have been found, including: Sheriff, Sherrif, Sherriff, Shirreffs, Sheriffs and many more. Early Notables of the Sherriff familyMore information is included under the topic Early Sherriff Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Sherriff, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Sherriff Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Sherriff Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Sherriff Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Sherriff Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Sherriff Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
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: Esse quam videri Motto Translation: To be, rather than to seem.
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