Ferriers History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France
Scotland

Etymology of Ferriers

What does the name Ferriers mean?

Ferriers is an ancient Strathclyde-Briton name for a person who worked 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. Ferriers 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 Ferriers family

The surname Ferriers 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 Ferriers family

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

Ferriers Spelling Variations

Surnames that evolved in Scotland in the Middle Ages often appear under many spelling variations. These are due to the practice of spelling according to sound in the era before dictionaries had standardized the English language. Ferriers has appeared as Ferrier, Ferriers, Ferrair, Ferryar, Feriar, Ferier and many more.

Early Notables of the Ferriers family

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

Migration of the Ferriers family

The North American colonies beckoned, with their ample land and opportunity as their freedom from the persecution suffered by so many Clan families back home. Many Scots even fought against England in the American War of Independence to gain this freedom. Recently, Clan societies have allowed the ancestors of these brave Scottish settlers to rediscover their familial roots. 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..

The Ferriers 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.