Show ContentsAmmerey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Ammerey reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is based on the Old French word amauri, which means work-rule or perhaps "valiant and diligent ruler." 1

Early Origins of the Ammerey family

The surname Ammerey was first found in Tours in Normandy, where the name was spelt D'Amery, or Amaury the delicate of Pontoisse, and they settled in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. 2 Consequently, the name was listed as in the Lating form, Haimericus in the Domesday Book. 3

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had only one listing for the family: Roger Ammary in Bedfordshire. 4

"One branch of this ancient house was long seated at Yatt, co. Gloucester; and another has migrated to the United States, where the name and family of Amory are well known and esteemed." 5

Early History of the Ammerey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ammerey research. Another 80 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1182, 1207, 1221, 1691 and 1788 are included under the topic Early Ammerey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ammerey 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. Ammerey has been recorded under many different variations, including Amory, Emery, Amery, Ammory, Ammery, Emry and others.

Early Notables of the Ammerey family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Thomas Amory (1691-1788), an English-Irish writer best known for his book "Life of John Buncle," and Amory of Knightshaven. He was the son of Councillor Amory, who accompanied William III to Ireland, was made secretary for the...
Another 45 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ammerey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Ammerey family to Ireland

Some of the Ammerey 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 Ammerey 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. Ammereys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Thomas Emry, who was among the first group of immigrants to Jamestown, Virginia in 1607; Rebecca Emry, who settled in Maryland in 1664; Thomas Amory, who migrated to South Carolina and became Advocate General and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Lord Palatine in 1690.



The Ammerey 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: Amore non vi
Motto Translation: Love not by force


  1. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  5. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.


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