Felow History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Felow is a name whose history is entwined with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a friend or comrade. The surname Felow originally derived from the Old English word Feolaza which affectionately meant "partner" or "shareholder." As a surname, it was likely taken on by a member of a trade guild.

"Besides its more proper meaning of ' companion,' the word Fellow is used in some dialects to signify a young unmarried man, or a servant engaged in husbandry. Chaucer uses the phrase 'a proper felawe' to denote a well-formed young man." 1

Early Origins of the Felow family

The surname Felow was first found in Huntingdon. However another branch of the family was later found at Shotesham in Norfolk. "Shotesham Park, the seat of Robert Fellowes, Esq., is a handsome mansion, erected by the late Mr. Fellowes, near the site of the ancient Hall, which was surrounded with a moat. " 2

Walter Felagh was one of the first records of the family. He was listed in the Assize Rolls of Northumberland in 1256. Robert le Felagh was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1327. 3 John Felagh was listed in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of Edward III.) 4

Early History of the Felow family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Felow research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1820 and 1910 are included under the topic Early Felow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Felow Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Felow were recorded, including Fellow, Fellows, Fellowes, Felloe and others.

Early Notables of the Felow family

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

Migration of the Felow family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Felow family emigrate to North America: William Felloe who arrived in New England in 1635; William Fellow arrived in Barbados in 1678; William and Samuel Fellowes arrived in Boston Massachusetts in 1630.

The Felow 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: Patientia et perseverantia cum magnanimitate
Motto Translation: Patience and perseverance with magnanimity.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.