Ferrars History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Etymology of Ferrars

What does the name Ferrars mean?

The Strathclyde-Briton people of ancient Scotland were the first to use the name Ferrars. It is a name for someone who works as a person who equipped horses. The ferrier was involved in the equipping of horses, from harness to shoes. This occupation was similar to that of the English blacksmith, however, the ferrier also fashioned the leather pieces of the harness. This occupation was extremely important in the Middle Ages, as horses were the primary mode of transportation. Ferrars is therefore, an occupational surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Occupational surnames were derived from the primary activity of the bearer. In the Middle Ages, people did not generally live off of the fruits of their labor in a particular job. Rather, they performed a specialized task, as well as farming, for subsistence. Other occupational names were derived from an object associated with a particular activity.

Early Origins of the Ferrars family

The surname Ferrars was first found in Forfarshire part of the Tayside region of North Eastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, where they held a family seat from early times.

Early History of the Ferrars family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ferrars research. Another 151 words (11 lines of text) covering the year 1301 is included under the topic Early Ferrars History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ferrars Spelling Variations

Before the printing press standardized spelling in the last few hundred years, no general rules existed in the English language. Spelling variations in Scottish names from the Middle Ages are common even within a single document. Ferrars has been spelled Ferrier, Ferriers, Ferrair, Ferryar, Feriar, Ferier and many more.

Early Notables of the Ferrars family

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

Migration of the Ferrars family

For Scottish immigrants, the great expense of travel to North America did not seem such a problem in those unstable times. Acres of land awaited them and many got the chance to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. These Scots and their ancestors went on to play important roles in the forging of the great nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: Roger Ferrier who settled in Virginia in the year 1700; Charles Ferrier settled in Maryland in 1774; Arthur, Henry James, and Lewis Ferrier all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1799 and 1866..

Contemporary Notables of the name Ferrars (post 1700) +

George Ferrars Townshend (1778-1855), 3rd Marquess Townshend, 2nd Earl of Leicester, British peer

The Ferrars 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: Diligentia ditat
Motto Translation: Industry renders rich.