Drinkwalter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The earliest origins of the Drinkwalter surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a literally comes from the words drink and water, but there are many interesting theories as to the reason for the nickname. The universal beverage in the Middle Ages was weak ale, perhaps the name was given to a teetotaler; or perhaps to a pauper unable to afford beer. Perhaps the name was given in irony to an innkeeper or a noted tippler. Some have even suggested that the name was given to diabetics who had voracious thirsts.

Early Origins of the Drinkwalter family

The surname Drinkwalter was first found in Cheshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Drinkwalter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Drinkwalter research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Drinkwalter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Drinkwalter Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Drinkwalter 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 Drinkwalter include: Drinkwater, Drinkwatter and others.

Early Notables of the Drinkwalter family

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

Migration of the Drinkwalter family

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 Drinkwalter or a variant listed above: John Drinkwater who settled in Barbados in 1658 and moved to Virginia in 1660; another John Drinkwater settled in Virginia in 1637; William Drinkwater settled in Barbados in 1664.

The Drinkwalter 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: Labore omnia florent
Motto Translation: All things flourish with industry.