Show ContentsTrenchar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Trenchar arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is a name for a soldier. Looking back even further, we found the name was originally derived from the Old French word trenchire, meaning a swordsman, soldier, or man of war.

Early Origins of the Trenchar family

The surname Trenchar was first found in Dorset where they were granted the lands of Hordhill in the Isle of Wight by Baldwin de Ripariis to Paganus Trenchard and his heirs about 1100 A.D. The grandsons of Paganus, Robert, Alexander and Hugh Trenchard, witnessed the deed.

Early History of the Trenchar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Trenchar research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1509, 1582, 1586, 1588, 1613, 1621, 1625, 1640, 1657, 1662 and 1695 are included under the topic Early Trenchar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Trenchar Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Trenchard, Trancherd, Trencher, Trenchar and others.

Early Notables of the Trenchar family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

  • John Trenchard (1586-1662), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons, Member of Parliament for Wareham (1621-1625)
  • Sir Thomas Trenchard (1582-1657) of Wolverton, who was knighted by James I in 1613


Canada Trenchar migration to Canada +

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Trenchar or a variant listed above:

Trenchar Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Charles Trenchar was a blacksmith of Harbour Grace, Newfoundland in 1871 1


The Trenchar 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: Nosce Teipsum
Motto Translation: Know thyself.


  1. Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0


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