Forcir History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of ForcirWhat does the name Forcir mean? The ancient and distinguished surname Forcir is of Old English origin. It is derived from "fosseg," meaning "dweller by the low-lying land near a dyke." Early Origins of the Forcir familyThe surname Forcir was first found in Durham, where the family was anciently seated as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed, but Saxon surnames survived and the name was first referenced in the 13th century, when the family held estates in that county. Early History of the Forcir familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Forcir research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1650, 1679, 1681, 1683 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Forcir History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Forcir Spelling VariationsSpelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Forcir have been found, including Forser, Forzer, Fouser, Fourzer, Forcer, Forsar, Forzar, Fousse, Foussard, Fors, Forse, Forsberg, Fosse, Forsey, Forsay and many more. Early Notables of the Forcir familyDistinguished members of the family include Francis Forcer the Elder (1650?-1705?), an English composer. He " is mentioned by Hawkins as the writer of many songs, five of which may be found in Playford's 'Choyce Ayres and Dialogues,' bk. ii. 1679, one in the edition of 1681, and... Migration of the Forcir familyFamilies began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Forcir, or a variant listed above: Jeremiah Forsey, who settled in Maryland in 1658; Robert Forsay, who was granted land in Virginia in 1691; Eliza Forse, a bonded emigrant from London to Maryland in 1743.
|