Fort History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

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The name Fort has a history dating as far back as the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was a name for a strong, brave, or hardy person as the name was originally derived from the Old French fort, which meant strong. Another derivation suggests that the name is a local surname and it indicates that its bearer lived near a fortress or stronghold. The former is more common, but time has confused the two derivations and etymologists now disagree on which is appropriate in a given instance.

Early Origins of the Fort family

The surname Fort was first found in Lancashire where they were granted lands by William the Conqueror for their assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. They were Lords of the manor of this estate. They are believed to be descended from the Norman noble, William de Fortibus, Earl of Albemarle, who married Isobel, Countess of Devon. This line eventually became Earls of Lancaster, and conjecturally the junior lines assumed the name Forte.

Early History of the Fort family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fort research. Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fort History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fort Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Fort were recorded, including Fort, Forte, Forts, Fortes, Foort, Foorte and many more.

Early Notables of the Fort family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Fort Ranking

In the United States, the name Fort is the 3,127th most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Fort is ranked the 505th most popular surname with an estimated 8,878 people with that name. 2


Fort migration to the United States +

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Fort arrived in North America very early:

Fort Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Fort Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Fort Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Fort migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Fort Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Fort migration to Australia +

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

Fort Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Fort 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:

Fort Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Fort (post 1700) +


The Fort 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: Fortis et audax
Motto Translation: Strong and brave
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