Fisher History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Germany
Ireland

Etymology of Fisher

What does the name Fisher mean?

When the ancestors of the Fisher family arrived in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066, they brought their name with them. It is a name for a person who worked as a fisherman. Looking back even further, we found the name was originally derived from the Old English word fischer. 1

"This seems to be a sufficiently obvious derivation from the calling of a fisherman, especially since ' fisher ' occurs in our version of the New Testament in this sense; and Leland in his Itinerary usually describes the smaller sea-coast places as "fischar tounes." In Domesday [Book] and other early records, we meet with the forms Piscator, Le Pecheur, etc." 2

"In the time of King Stephen the family of Fitz-Urse (a name which in after days degenerated into Fitzour, Fyshour, and Fisher) became possessed of the great manor of Williton; they had their descent from that Urso, or Ursus, who in the time of William the Conqueror held lands in Grittleton, and other parts of Wiltshire, of the Abbey of Glastonbury. The first of the name who enjoyed this manor was Richard Fitz Urse, who died about 14 Hen. II., leaving issue three sons ; Sir Reginald, Sir Robert, and Walter. Sir Reginald, the eldest, had his residence at Williton, in a house which he afterwards gave to his brother Robert, with a moiety of this manor. This Sir Reginald was among the courtiers standing in the presence chamber at Bur, near Bayeux, a few days before Christmas 1170, when the King gave audience to the three prelates that had been excommunicated by Thomas a Beckett, and came to lay their complaint before him." 3

Early Origins of the Fisher family

The surname Fisher was first found in Essex, where Richard le Fischer was listed in the Feet of Fines in 1263. Years later, Ralph de Fisshar’ was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1296. 4

In early records the name was often listed in Latin as "piscator" as seen by this record found in Scotland: Robert dominus Piscator, burgess of Perth, 1292. The Latin version quickly deferred to a more English version when "Michael Fysser who appears in record in 1344 as bailie of Perth is probably the Michaele Fisser recorded in 1338. " 5

Early History of the Fisher family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fisher research. Another 185 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1488, 1513, 1514, 1603, 1605, 1613, 1616, 1623, 1655, 1661, 1665, 1683, 1693, 1698, 1702, 1705, 1826, 1827, 1890 and 1956 are included under the topic Early Fisher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fisher Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Fisher, Fischer and others.

Early Notables of the Fisher family

Sir Thomas Fisher
Sir Robert Fisher, 1st Baronet of Great Packington, Warwickshire
Sir Clement Fisher, 2nd Baronet (1613-1683), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Coventry (1661)
Samuel Fisher (1605-1665) was an English Quaker controversialist from Northampton
Payne Fisher (1616-1693), an English poet
Joseph Fisher (c. 1655-1705), an English churchman, Archdeacon of Carlisle (1702 until his death)
Mary Fisher, (Mary Fisher Bayley Crosse), (c.1623-1698), one of the first traveling Quaker ministers, one of the Valiant Sixty, the group of early itinerant Quaker preachers whose mission was to spre...

Fisher World Ranking

the United States, the name Fisher is the 113^rd most popular surname with an estimated 191,499 people with that name. 6 However, in Canada, the name Fisher is ranked the 164^th most popular surname with an estimated 21,163 people with that name. 7 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Fisher is the 354^th popular surname with an estimated 131 people with that name. 8 Australia ranks Fisher as 102^nd with 25,685 people. 9 New Zealand ranks Fisher as 143^rd with 3,453 people. 10 The United Kingdom ranks Fisher as 92^nd with 50,646 people. 11 South Africa ranks Fisher as 525^th with 13,540 people. 12

Migration of the Fisher family to Ireland

Some of the Fisher family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fisher migration to the United States +

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Fisher or a variant listed above:

Fisher Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Mr. Robert Fisher, who arrived in Virginia aboard the ship "Elizabeth" in 1611 14
Mrs. Katherine Fisher, who arrived in Virginia in 1621 aboard the ship "Marmaduke" 14
Henry Fisher, who settled in Virginia in 1623 with his wife and children
Edward Fisher, who arrived in Virginia in 1620 aboard the ship "Jonathan" 15
Mrs. Sarah Fisher, who arrived in Virginia in 1624 aboard the ship "Warwick" 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fisher Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Dann Fisher, who landed in Virginia in 1701 15
Simon Fisher, who arrived in New England in 1709 with his wife
Edward Fisher, who landed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1712 15
Caleb Fisher, who arrived in New England in 1716 15
Fleny Fisher, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1731 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fisher Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Alexander Fisher, aged 27, who arrived in New York in 1800 15
Eliz Fisher, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1801 15
C Fisher, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1804 15
Fredk Fisher, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1806 15
Alexander Duff Fisher, aged 36, who landed in New York in 1812 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fisher Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Frangika Fisher, aged 49, who arrived in New York, NY in 1900 15

Fisher migration to Canada +

Fisher Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mrs. Mary Fisher U.E. who settled in Adolphus Town [Adolphustown], Ontario c. 1775 16
Mr. John Fisher U.E. who settled in Midland District [Lennox & Addington], Ontario c. 1775 he served in the Royal Regiment of New York 16
Mr. Lewis Fisher U.E., "Ludowig" who settled in Canada c. 1783 16
Mr. Philip Fisher U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway [Shelburne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 5 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 20, 1783 at East River, New York 16
Mr.CounrodFisher U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway [Shelburne], Nova Scotia on December 13, 1783 was passenger number 409 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on November 14, 1783 at East River, New York 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fisher Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Alex Fisher, who landed in Canada in 1817
Donald Fisher, who arrived in Canada in 1817
Duncan Fisher, who arrived in Canada in 1829
Sarah Fisher, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Silestria" from Belfast, Ireland
Lillyl Fisher, aged 50, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Susan" in 1838
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fisher migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet and Second Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet

Mr. Thomas Fisher, (b. 1767), aged 22, British settler convicted in Worcestershire, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 13

Second Fleet

Mr. Daniel Fisher, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 14
Mr. William Fisher, British settler convicted in London, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Active" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 14
Mr. Edward Fisher, (1751 - 1838), aged 39, British settler convicted in Staffordshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing hemp, transported aboard the ship "Matilda" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 14
Mr. William Fisher, (d. 1792), British settler convicted in London, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 14
Mr. Francis Fisher, (d. 1792), British settler convicted in Cheshire, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 14

Following the First and Second Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Fisher Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Fisher, British settler who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years for stealing a horse, transported aboard the "Fortune And Alexander" on 31st December 1805, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
Mr.John Fisher, (1781 - 1836), aged 31, British settler who was convicted in Lancashire, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Fortune" on 31st October 1812, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
Mr. George Fisher, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
Mr. John Fisher, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 19
Mr. Joseph Fisher, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" in May 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 20
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fisher migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Fisher Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Francis Fisher, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
Isaac Fisher, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
James Fisher, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
William Fisher, aged 22, a plasterer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Catherine Stewart Forbes" in 1841
Eliza Fisher, aged 26, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Catherine Stewart Forbes" in 1841
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fisher migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 21

Fisher Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Robert Fisher, (b. 1625), aged 10, British settler travelling aboard the ship "The Dorset" arriving in Barbados in September 1635 22
Mr. Edward Fisher, (b. 1608), aged 27, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Paul of London" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 23

Contemporary Notables of the name Fisher (post 1700) +

Terry Louise Fisher (1946-2025), American television screenwriter and producer, won three Primetime Emmy Awards from seven nominations
Eddie Gene Fisher (1936-2025), American professional baseball pitcher, played in Major League Baseball for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, California Angels and St. Louis Cardinals (1959-1973), an All-Star in 1965
Grant Jackson Fisher (b. 1997), American middle- and long-distance runner
Leonard Everett Fisher (1924-2024), American artist best known for illustrating children's books
Anna L. Fisher M.D. (b. 1949), née Sims, American chemist, emergency physician and a former NASA astronaut with 192 hours in space, the first mother to fly in space
Douglas Gene "Doug" Fisher (1947-2023), American NFL linebacker who played for two seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1969-1971)
Ada M. Fisher (1947-2022), American physician and political candidate from Salisbury, North Carolina, Republican National Committeewoman for the state of North Carolina
James Lee Fisher (1931-2022), American academic administrator and psychologist, 9th President of Towson State University (now Towson University) from 1969 to 1978
Lester E. Fisher (1921-2021), American zoologist, known as Chicago's Dr. Doolittle and Mr. Chimps
... (Another 264 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Fisher family +

Empress of Ireland

Mr. Samuel Charles Fisher (d. 1914), British Bell Boy from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 24
Mr. Wilfred Fisher (1891-1914), American Second Class Passenger from Chicago, Illinois, United States who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 25
Mrs. Margaret Fisher (1867-1914), née Lightfoot American Second Class Passenger from Chicago, Illinois, United States who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 26
Master Carl Frederick Fisher (1917-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 26
Mrs. Dora Fisher (1892-1917), "Edna" Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 27
... (Another 18 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Fisher 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: Respice finem
Motto Translation: Regard the end.

Sources +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 3 of 3
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
"Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 29th September 2021. Retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance