Thorndyke History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The Thorndyke surname is derived from the Old English words "þorn" meaning "thorn bush," and "dic," meaning "ditch," or "dike." As such, it is thought to have originally been a topographic name for someone who lived by a thorn hedge and a ditch; or perhaps a habitational name from some now lost place-name.

Early Origins of the Thorndyke family

The surname Thorndyke was first found in Lincolnshire where they were long found.

Early History of the Thorndyke family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thorndyke research. Another 56 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1596, 1598, 1613, 1656 and 1672 are included under the topic Early Thorndyke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thorndyke Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Thorndike, Thorndyke and others.

Early Notables of the Thorndyke family

Notables of the family at this time include Herbert Thorndike (1598-1672), English Anglican divine, the third son of Francis Thorndike, a Lincolnshire gentleman of good family. "On 18 Dec. 1613 he entered...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Thorndyke Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Thorndyke family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Thorndike from Lincolnshire who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1633; Anthony Thorndike settled in New York in 1822; Augustus Thorndike settled in New York in 1820..

The Thorndyke 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: Rosae inter spinas nascumtur
Motto Translation: A rose among thorns