Show ContentsAiren History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

When the ancestors of the Airen family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Norfolk. Their name, however, derives from their place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Airaines, in Somme, France.1

Early Origins of the Airen family

The surname Airen was first found in Norfolk where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in A.D. 1066.

Early History of the Airen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Airen research. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1548, 1576, 1578 and 1617 are included under the topic Early Airen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Airen Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Airen has been recorded under many different variations, including Irons, Kenirons, Hirons, Iron, Hieron and others.

Early Notables of the Airen family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Airen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Airen family to Ireland

Some of the Airen 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 Airen family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Airens were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Arron Iron settled in New England in 1758; Mathias Irons and his wife, Anne, settled in Salem in 1630; James, John, Joseph, Samuel, and William Irons arrived in Philadelphia in 1868..



  1. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)


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