Congreive History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancestors of the Congreive surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The name comes from when they lived near a lane cut through woods or forest. The name is derived from congreave, a Old English word for such a road.

Early Origins of the Congreive family

The surname Congreive was first found in Staffordshire at Congreve, "where the ancestors of this house were seated soon after the Conquest." 1 Congreve is now part of Penkridge, a market town and civil parish as of 1934.

Early History of the Congreive family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Congreive research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1669, 1670 and 1729 are included under the topic Early Congreive History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Congreive Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Congreive include Congreve, Congrave and others.

Early Notables of the Congreive family

Distinguished members of the family include William Congreve (1670-1729), and English dramatist and poet. He was "born at Bardsey, near Leeds, where he was baptised on 10 Feb. 1669. He was the son Congreve; his mother's maiden name Browning. His grandfather, Richard Congreve, was a cavalier named for the order of...
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Congreive Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Congreive family to Ireland

Some of the Congreive 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.

Migration of the Congreive family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: John Congrave and Winifred settled in Virginia in 1635.

The Congreive 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: Non moritur cujus fama vivat
Motto Translation: He does not die whose fame may survive.

Citations +

Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.