Virga History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Spain

The surname Virga comes from the Latin "virgo" meaning maiden, from which is derived the English word virgin. It is possible that the surname was originally a nickname for someone who had played the part of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a mystery play.

Early Origins of the Virga family

The surname Virga was first found in 1275 in Kent, where Simon Virg' who was listed in the Rotuli Hundredorum under the direction of Edward I. 1

Early History of the Virga family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Virga research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1428, 1581, 1587, 1610 and 1637 are included under the topic Early Virga History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Virga Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Virga family name include Virgin, Virgine,Vergin, Vergine, Virgo, Virgoe and many more.

Early Notables of the Virga family

More information is included under the topic Early Virga Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Virga family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Virga family to immigrate North America: John and Susan Virgo, who settled in Virginia in 1624; Robert Virgin, who settled in Virginia in 1637; Thomas Virgo, who was granted land by William Penn in Pennsylvania in 1682.

The Virga 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: Nunc aut nunquam
Motto Translation: Now or never.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)