Capenor History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Capenor

What does the name Capenor mean?

The ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of England produced the name of Capenor. It was given to a lover or sweetheart. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word copiner, which means lover.

Early Origins of the Capenor family

The surname Capenor was first found in Devon where they held a family seat. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name flourished in Devon for more than six centuries. One of the first to be recorded was Richard Copener in that shire in 1242.

Early History of the Capenor family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Capenor research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Capenor History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Capenor Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Capenor has appeared include Copner, Cobner, Coppener, Copenere, Capenor and others.

Early Notables of the Capenor family

More information is included under the topic Early Capenor Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Capenor family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Capenor arrived in North America very early: Francis Copenger, who settled in Virginia in 1793; William Capener, who was an alien resident in New York in 1836; and Thomas Copner, who was recorded in a census of 1871 in Toronto..

The Capenor 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: Vivitur ingenio
Motto Translation: He lives by skill