Ertons History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Ertons

What does the name Ertons mean?

The name Ertons reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Ertons family lived in Cumberland at Yrton, from whence they took their name.

Early Origins of the Ertons family

The surname Ertons was first found in Cumberland where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Yrton (Irton.) The first on record was Richard of Yrton who is mentioned soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D. He was succeeded by Bertram d'Yrton, then Adam d'Yrton, a knight of St. Jerusalem, who attended Godfrey of Boulogne at the siege of Jerusalem. Adam slew a Saracen General during the siege, by lopping off his head. "The Manor of Irton has belonged also to the [family] almost from the time of the Conquest. " 1

Early History of the Ertons family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ertons research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1280, 1753 and 1820 are included under the topic Early Ertons History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ertons Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Ertons family name include Irton, Yrton, d'Yrton, Erton, Eyrton and others.

Early Notables of the Ertons family

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

Migration of the Ertons family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Ertons family to immigrate North America: Thomas Irton who landed in North America in 1710.

The Ertons 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: Semper constans et fidelis
Motto Translation: Always constant and faithful.

Sources +

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