Show ContentsViggaray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 added many new elements to an already vibrant culture. Among these were thousands of new names. The Viggaray family lived in Devon. Their name, however, is a reference to La Vacherie, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Early Origins of the Viggaray family

The surname Viggaray was first found in Devon. They were originally from La Vacherie, and acquired their seat at Dunkeswell in Devon soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Early History of the Viggaray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Viggaray research. Another 42 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1490 and 1561 are included under the topic Early Viggaray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Viggaray 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 Vickare, Vickery, Vickary and others.

Early Notables of the Viggaray family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Thomas Vicary (1490-1561), an early English physician, surgeon and anatomist, born in Kent, he was, "but a meane practiser in Maidstone." Henry VIII advanced him to the position of sergeant-surgeon...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Viggaray Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Viggaray family to Ireland

Some of the Viggaray 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.

Migration of the Viggaray family

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 Viggaray or a variant listed above: John Vickery, who settled in Barbados in 1654; Mary Vickery, who settled in Maryland in 1724; Ambrose Vickery, who settled in Georgia in 1733; as well as Henry Vickery, who settled in Philadelphia in 1856..



The Viggaray 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: Probitas verus honos
Motto Translation: Probity is true honor.


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