Ansen History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of AnsenWhat does the name Ansen mean? The surname Ansen is a baptismal name as in "the son of Anne", or the name could have been derived from one of the villages names North and South Anston in Yorkshire. Both villages date back to before the Domesday Book. They were listed there as Anestan and Litelanstan and were owned by Roger de Bully at that time. 1 In this case, the name Anston is thought to derive from the Old English ana + stan which meant "single or solitary stone." 2 Early Origins of the Ansen familyThe surname Ansen was first found in Lancashire. However, another branch of the family was found since early times at the township of Shugborough in Staffordshire. "The family of Anson have been seated in the county for many generations. William Anson, having purchased the manor in the reign of James I., made it his principal seat; and here in 1697, the distinguished admiral and circumnavigator, Lord George Anson, was born. He was raised to the peerage by the title of Lord Anson in 1747. The vale of Shugborough owes many of its beauties to the late Viscount Anson, father of the present peer, who was elevated to the rank of Earl of Lichfield in September 1831." 3 Early History of the Ansen familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ansen research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1697, 1762, 1769, 1797, 1849 and 1857 are included under the topic Early Ansen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Ansen Spelling VariationsUntil quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Ansen include Anson, Hanson, Ansen, Eanson, Ansin, L'Anson and others. Early Notables of the Ansen familyNotables of this surname at this time include: George Anson, 1st Baron Anson (1697-1762), English admiral, noted for his circumnavigation of the globe; General Sir George Anson (1769-1849)... Migration of the Ansen familySearching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Ansen or a variant listed above: Wm. Anson, who came to Virginia in 1678; Richard Anson, who came to Maryland in 1681; Andrew Anson, who settled in America in 1749; George Anson, age 21, who arrived in Maryland in 1775.
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 desperandum Motto Translation: Never despairing.
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