Amhurst History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Amhurst

What does the name Amhurst mean?

The ancestry of the name Amhurst dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It comes from when the family lived in the locality of Amherst, in the parish of Pembury in Kent.

Early Origins of the Amhurst family

The surname Amhurst 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 Amhurst family

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

Amhurst Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Amhurst have been found, including Amherst, Amhirst, Amhearst and others.

Early Notables of the Amhurst family

Nicholas Amhurst (1697-1742), English poet and political writer, born at Marden in Kent 16 Oct...

Migration of the Amhurst family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Amhurst, or a variant listed above: John Amhearst who landed in North America in 1700.

The Amhurst 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.