Farmbrough History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins and Etymology of Farmbrough

The surname Farmbrough was first found in West Berkshire at Farnborough, a small village and civil parish amongst the Berkshire Downs north of Newbury which dates back to c. 935 when it was first listed as Fearnbeorgan. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the village was listed as Fermeberge. 1 This is by far the oldest village but others by the same name can be found in Hampshire, Greater London and in Warwickshire. The family name was first referenced in the year 1190 when Leford of Farmborough appeared on tax rolls.

Early History of the Farmbrough family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Farmbrough research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Farmbrough History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Farmbrough 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 Farmbrough 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. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Farmbrough include: Farnborough, Farmborough, Farnborow, Farmborow, Farnbro, Farmbro, Farnburgh and many more.

Early Notables of the Farmbrough family

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

Farmbrough migration to the United States +

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 Farmbrough or a variant listed above:

Farmbrough Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Benja Farmbrough, who settled in Virginia in 1701

Contemporary Notables of the name Farmbrough (post 1700) +

Rt. Rev. David Farmbrough, Bishop of Bedford

The Farmbrough 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: Deus noster refugium
Motto Translation: Our God is our refuge.

Sources +

Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)