Akroyd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The name Akroyd is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in a clearing surrounded by oak trees. This Yorkshire surname is derived from the Old English words ac, which means oak, and rod, which means clearing. Collectively, the name literally means "dweller at the oak clearing."1 2
Early Origins of the Akroyd family
The surname Akroyd was first found in the West, East and North Ridings of the county of Yorkshire. "A well-known Yorkshire surname." 3
One of the first records of the family was Richard de Akerode who was listed in the Yorkshire Testamenta Eboracensia (Surtees Society.) 3
Hugo Aikroide was listed as a Freeman of York in 1612 as was Henry Ackroyd in 1645, and Henry Akeroyd in 1648. 2
A search through the Register of the University of Oxford revealed: John Acroyd, Yorkshire, 1612; Matthew Aickroid, Yorkshire, 1618; and Samuel Akeroyd, Yorkshire, 1619-1620.
The Eskrigge and Eskridge variants were found in the parish of Eskrigg in Lancashire.
Early History of the Akroyd family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Akroyd research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1569, 1624, 1685, 1687, 1688, 1692, 1693, 1694, 1696 and 1934 are included under the topic Early Akroyd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Akroyd Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Akroyd has been spelled many different ways, including Ackroyd, Akroyd, Ackeroyd, Achroyd, Aykroyd, Akrood, Eckroyd, Ecroyd, Akrode, Eckridge and many more.
Early Notables of the Akroyd family
Notables of the family at this time include Samuel Akeroyde, a native of Yorkshire who was a very popular and prolific composer of songs in the latter part of the 17th century. Many of his compositions are contained in the following collections of the period: 'D'Urfey's...
Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Akroyd Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Akroyd migration to the United States +
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Akroyds to arrive in North America:
Akroyd Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
- Henry C. Akroyd, aged 23, who arrived in America from Liverpool, in 1897
Akroyd Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
- William Akroyd, aged 19, who arrived in America from Longwood, England, in 1901
- Albert Akroyd, aged 40, who arrived in America from Halifax, England, in 1911
- Thomas E. Akroyd, aged 25, who arrived in America from Sawerby, England, in 1913
- Bertha Akroyd, aged 31, who arrived in America from Mytlolmroyd, England, in 1920
- Florence Akroyd, aged 43, who arrived in America from Shipley, England, in 1920
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Akroyd migration to Canada +
Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Akroyd Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
- Henry Cecil Akroyd, aged 38, who arrived in Vancouver, Canada, in 1912
- Dorothy Boyd Akroyd, aged 33, who arrived in Vancouver, Canada, in 1913
- Reginald Akroyd, aged 38, who arrived in Calgary, Canada, in 1924
Akroyd migration to Australia +
Emigration to
Australia followed the
First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:
Akroyd Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
- Mr. Valentine Akroyd, English convict who was convicted in York, Yorkshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Blundell" on 13th March 1844, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 4
Contemporary Notables of the name Akroyd (post 1700) +
- Albert Akroyd, English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1920s
- Joe Akroyd, English founder of Royd Loudspeakers Co. Ltd. in 1980
- Bayly Nash Akroyd (1850-1926), English cricketer
- Lieutenant Colonel Edward Akroyd (1810-1887), English manufacturer, a textile manufacturing who inherited "James Akroyd & Sons Ltd" from his founding father
The Akroyd 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: In veritate victoria
Motto Translation: Victory in Truth.
Citations +
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
- Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/blundell