Springfield History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Springfield come from its first bearer, who was a young or very active individual, which was originally derived from the Old English word spring literally meaning the season spring. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. This nickname surname was used to describe the original bearers character as it related to the young shoots in the ground when they would rise from the earth in the spring. Early Origins of the Springfield familyThe surname Springfield was first found in Suffolk where they were major landowners in East Anglia seated from very ancient times, as Lords of the manor of Lavenham, the family were important merchants in the cloth and wool trade during the Middle Ages. The Spring or DeFonte family claim descendancy through Norman, Peter, William, Hugh de Fonte in Normandy who were listed there in a census (1180-1195.) The earliest record of the name in England was found c. 1198 when Reginald and Emma de Fonte were listed there at that time. 1 Houghton Le Side in Durham was an ancient family seat. "The vill was a portion of the inheritance of the early lords of Raby, and was granted by Robert Fitz-Mildred to the Springs, of whom Sir John Spring was, in 1312, murdered in his manorhouse here by Robert Lascelles, of Yorkshire." 2 and nearby in Houghton Le Spring more early evidence of the family was found. "This place, which takes its name from a family to whom it belonged soon after the Conquest, is one of the great manors of the see of Durham." 2 Early History of the Springfield familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Springfield research. Another 174 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1311, 1313, 1369, 1390, 1474, 1523, 1547, 1578, 1579, 1597, 1599, 1613, 1637, 1642, 1646, 1648, 1654, 1672, 1674, 1679, 1684, 1697, 1704, 1737, 1740 and 1769 are included under the topic Early Springfield History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Springfield 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. Springfield has been spelled many different ways, including Spring, Springe, Springs, Springes, Springer and others. Early Notables of the Springfield familyDistinguished members of the family include Thomas Spring (c.1474-1523), also referred to as Thomas Spring III, and Thomas Spring of Lavenham, an English clothier in Suffolk and one of the richest men in England at the time; Sir John Spring (d. 1547), of Lavenham, Buxhall, Hitcham, and Cockfield, Suffolk, was an English merchant and politician; Sir William Spring of Lavenham (died 1599), an English politician and merchant, High Sheriff of Suffolk in 1578-1579; Sir William Spring of... Springfield RankingIn the United States, the name Springfield is the 10,414th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 3 Migration of the Springfield family to IrelandSome of the Springfield family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 Springfields to arrive in North America: Springfield Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Springfield Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Springfield Settlers in Canada in the 18th 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: Non mihi sed patriae Motto Translation: Not for myself, but for my country.
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