Cambridge History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of CambridgeWhat does the name Cambridge mean? In ancient Anglo-Saxon England, the ancestors of the Cambridge surname lived beside a bridge over the river Cam. This surname originated as a local name for natives who came from the town of Cambridge. Cambridge was in both Gloucestershire and Cambridgeshire. Early Origins of the Cambridge familyThe surname Cambridge was first found in Cambridge, a university, borough, and markettown in Cambridgeshire. "This ancient town was the Grantan-brycge, Grantabricge, or Grante-brige, of the Saxon Chronicle, signifying "the Bridge over the Granta," the ancient name of the river Cam: by the substitution of cognate letters, the Saxon compound was altered after the Norman Conquest to Cantebrige, since contracted into Cambridge. The earliest authenticated fact in its history is its conflagration, in 871, by the Danes, who established on its desolated site one of their principal stations, which they occasionally occupied until the year 901. " 1 John de Cambridge or Cantebrig (d. 1335), was an early English "judge, was of a Cambridge family, whence he took his name, and is said to have been son to Thomas Cantebrig, a judge of the exchequer under Edward II. He was M.P. for Cambridgeshire in 1321 and subsequent years, and earlier was in several judicial commissions for the county. In the last years of Edward II and early years of Edward III he is named as counsel in the year books. " 2 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed Johannes de Cambrege as holding lands there at that time. 3 Early History of the Cambridge familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cambridge research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cambridge History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge include: Cambridge, Cambrigge, Cambrigg, McCambridge and others. Early Notables of the Cambridge familyMore information is included under the topic Early Cambridge Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Cambridge RankingIn the United States, the name Cambridge is the 12,464th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 4 Migration of the Cambridge family to IrelandSome of the Cambridge family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Many 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 Cambridge or a variant listed above: Cambridge Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Cambridge Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Cambridge Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Cambridge Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Cambridge Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
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: Cambridge Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
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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: Esse quam videri Motto Translation: To be, rather than to seem.
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