Erpent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Erpent

What does the name Erpent mean?

The ancestors of the Erpent family brought their name to England in the wave of migration after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Norfolk. The name, however, is a reference to Erpen, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Early Origins of the Erpent family

The surname Erpent was first found in Norfolk where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Erpent family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Erpent research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Erpent History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Erpent Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Erpent were recorded, including Orpen, Orbin, Erpen, Arpen, Orpingham, Orpington, Orpin and many more.

Early Notables of the Erpent family

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

Migration of the Erpent family to Ireland

Some of the Erpent 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 Erpent family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Erpent arrived in North America very early: John Orpen arrived in Barbados in 1680 with his wife and servants; Edward Orpen, who arrived in Halifax, N.S. sometime between 1598 and 1867; as well as Saml Orpen, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750..

The Erpent 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: Veritas vincit
Motto Translation: Truth Conquers.