| ![Show Contents]() Calvan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of CalvanWhat does the name Calvan mean? The Calvan surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name is derived from the Old Welsh names Colwin and Coluin. The name Coluinus was recorded in Devon in the Domesday Book of 1086. Early Origins of the Calvan familyThe surname Calvan was first found in Devon where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say long before the Norman Conquest in 1066. Early History of the Calvan familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Calvan research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1040, 1066, 1086, 1845, 1890 and 1927 are included under the topic Early Calvan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Calvan Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Calvan are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Calvan include: Colvin, Colvinne, Calvin, Coulvin, Cowlvin, Colvine, Calvine, Caulvin, Colwin, Calwin, Caulwin, Colwine, Calwine, Callvine, Callvin, Callwin, Collwin and many more. Early Notables of the Calvan familySir Sidney Colvin (1845-1927), an Englishman born in Norwood, Surrey also led a remarkable life. He was an English scholar who studied at Trinity College in Cambridge and went on to become a noted professor of fine art at Cambridge. As well as teaching at Cambridge, he was also...
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Calvan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Calvan family to IrelandSome of the Calvan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Calvan familyMany English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Calvan or a variant listed above: William Colvin settled in Maryland in 1714; Hugh Colvin settled in Pennsylvania in 1773; followed by Charles, James, Jane, John, Robert and William Colvin, all settled in Philadelphia between 1811 and 1856.
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 hoc signo vinces
Motto Translation: Under this sign thou shall conquer.
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