| ![Show Contents]() Follitt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of FollittWhat does the name Follitt mean? The Follitt 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 Follitt familyThe surname Follitt 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. Follitt 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 Follitt familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Follitt research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1147, 1158 and 1599 are included under the topic Early Follitt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Follitt Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, Anglo-Norman surnames like Follitt are characterized by many spelling variations. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages such as Norman French and Latin, even literate people regularly changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Follitt include Folet, Follet, Follett and others. Early Notables of the Follitt familyMore information is included under the topic Early Follitt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Follitt family to IrelandSome of the Follitt family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Follitt familyFaced with the chaos present in England at that time, many English families looked towards the open frontiers of the New World with its opportunities to escape oppression and starvation. People migrated to North America, as well as Australia and Ireland in droves, paying exorbitant rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, but those who did see the shores of North America were welcomed with great opportunity. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America carried the name Follitt, or a variant listed above: William Follet, who came to New Hampshire in 1651; Ed Follett, who arrived in Virginia in 1665; Henry Follett, a servant sent to Virginia in 1667; Abell Follett, who settled in Maryland in 1660.
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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