Follet History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of FolletWhat does the name Follet mean? The Follet surname comes from the Old French word "fol," meaning "mad," or "stupid." This in turn comes from the Latin word "follis" which formerly referred to anything filled with air, but which later took on metaphorical connotation of vanity. As a surname, it was most likely a nickname for a free-spirited or eccentric person, which was later adopted as a hereditary surname. Early Origins of the Follet familyThe surname Follet was first found in Kent where they held a family seat from early times. The earliest record found of the name in Britain, is in the Domesday Book of 1086, which shows a William Folet in Kent. Follet may be descended from a family, which originated in Cotentin, in western Normandy. Of this line was Sampson Foliot, Seigneur, (or Lord) of Montfarville, near Cherbourg. Early History of the Follet familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Follet research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1147, 1158 and 1599 are included under the topic Early Follet History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Follet Spelling VariationsEndless 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 Folet, Follet, Follett and others. Early Notables of the Follet familyMore information is included under the topic Early Follet Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Follet RankingIn France, the name Follet is the 2,071st most popular surname with an estimated 3,037 people with that name. 1 Migration of the Follet family to IrelandSome of the Follet family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
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 Follet or a variant listed above: Follet Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
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: Quo virtus ducit scando Motto Translation: I climb where virtue leads
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