Forde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


As an Irish surname, Forde was an Anglicized version of three different Gaelic names: "Mac Giolla Naomh," meaning "son of the devotee of the saints" was a Sept that originated in southern Connemara. The name also comes from "Mac Consnámha," or "son of the swimming hound." This Connacht Sept has also been Anglicized as Kinneavy. Lastly, in Cork, the name was an Anglicized version of "Fuaráin", though more often it was Anglicized as Foran. There are also many Irish bearers of this name, who are ultimately of English origin. The English name comes from the Old English word "ford," which denotes a shallow section of a river, where it can be crossed. One large family came to County Meath from Devon in the 14th century where they became large land-holders.

Early Origins of the Forde family

The surname Forde was first found in Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn), and in County Cork where several distinct Irish Septs all came to be known by the English name Forde.

Early History of the Forde family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Forde research. Another 55 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1355 and 1604 are included under the topic Early Forde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Forde Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Ford, Forde and others.

Early Notables of the Forde family

Notable among the family name at this time was

Forde Ranking

In the United States, the name Forde is the 5,451st most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 1


Forde migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Forde Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Forde Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Forde migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Forde Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Forde migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Forde Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Forde migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Forde Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Forde (post 1700) +


The Forde 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: Lucrum Christi mihi
Motto Translation: Without Christ, there is no light.
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