Amhearst History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Amhearst

What does the name Amhearst mean?

The origins of the Amhearst name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in the locality of Amherst, in the parish of Pembury in Kent.

Early Origins of the Amhearst family

The surname Amhearst was first found in Kent where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Amherst, in the parish of Pembury. They held a family seat, some say, about the time of the taking of the Domesday Book survey initiated by Duke William of Normandy in 1086, although this book does not show the record in the county of Kent. The pedigree is only traceable to the year 1400 but the Harleian manuscripts show the name to be seated at Amherst in the early 1200's and from this source Earl Amherst was shown to represent this ancient family seated at Amhurst (ancient spelling).

Early History of the Amhearst family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Amhearst research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1697, 1742, 1758 and 1760 are included under the topic Early Amhearst History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Amhearst Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Amhearst were recorded, including Amherst, Amhirst, Amhearst and others.

Early Notables of the Amhearst family

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

Amhearst migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Amhearst family emigrate to North America:

Amhearst Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

John Amhearst who landed in North America in 1700

The Amhearst 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: Victoriam concordia crescit
Motto Translation: Concord insures victory.