Sanders History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Netherlands 
  Germany 
  Ireland 


The Anglo-Norman surname Sanders is derived from the name Saunder, which is a pet form of the personal name Alexander. This name was originally derived from the Greek personal name Alexandros which literally means defender of men.

Early Origins of the Sanders family

The surname Sanders was first found in County Wicklow (Irish: Cill Mhantáin), known as the “last county,” created only in 1606, located on the East coast of Ireland, today part of the Greater Dublin Area, where they were granted lands by Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, for their assistance in the invasion of Ireland in 1172.

Early History of the Sanders family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sanders research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1530, 1555, 1581, 1620, 1648, 1683, 1695 and 1710 are included under the topic Early Sanders History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sanders Spelling Variations

A single person's name was often spelt simply as it sounded by medieval scribes and church officials. An investigation into the specific origins the name Sanders has revealed that such a practice has resulted in many spelling variations over the years. A few of its variants include: Saunders, Sanders, Sawnders, Sainders, Saynders, Saunderrs, Sannders, Sanderrs, Saunder and many more.

Early Notables of the Sanders family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was

Sanders World Ranking

In the United States, the name Sanders is the 75th most popular surname with an estimated 248,700 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Sanders is ranked the 955th most popular surname with an estimated 5,636 people with that name. 2 And in Australia, the name Sanders is the 339th popular surname with an estimated 10,638 people with that name. 3 New Zealand ranks Sanders as 292nd with 2,082 people. 4 The United Kingdom ranks Sanders as 337th with 18,298 people. 5 Netherlands ranks Sanders as 82nd with 11,522 people. 6


Sanders migration to the United States +

Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape the horrific conditions. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Sanders:

Sanders Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Sanders Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Sanders Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Sanders Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Sanders migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Sanders Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Sanders Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
Sanders Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

Sanders migration to Australia +

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

Sanders Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Sanders 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:

Sanders Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Sanders migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18
Sanders Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Sanders (post 1700) +


The Sanders 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: Nil Conscire Sibi
Motto Translation: Conscious of no Wrong.


Suggested Readings for the name Sanders +
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