The proud Norman name of Forday was developed in England soon after Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was name for a strong, brave, or hardy person as the name was originally derived from the Old French fort, which meant strong. Another derivation suggests that the name is a local surname and it indicates that its bearer lived near a fortress or stronghold. The former is more common, but time has confused the two derivations and etymologists now disagree on which is appropriate in a given instance.
Loading...
Early Origins of the Forday family
The surname Forday was first found in Lancashire where they were granted lands by William the Conqueror for their assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. They were Lords of the manor of this estate. They are believed to be descended from the Norman noble, William de Fortibus, Earl of Albemarle, who married Isobel, Countess of Devon. This line eventually became Earls of Lancaster, and conjecturally the junior lines assumed the name Forte.
Early History of the Forday family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Forday research. Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Forday History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Forday Spelling Variations
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Forday have been found, including Fort, Forte, Forts, Fortes, Foort, Foorte and many more.
Early Notables of the Forday family
More information is included under the topic Early Forday Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Migration of the Forday family
For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Forday were among those contributors: John Fort who settled in Maryland in 1685; Francis Fort settled in Virginia in 1736; Claude Fort settled in Louisiana in 1756; J.A. Fort settled in San Francisco Cal. in 1852.
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: Fortis et audax Motto Translation: Strong and brave
Remove Item
WARNING!
Removing this item from your shopping cart will remove your associated sale items.
Are you sure you want to delete this item from your shopping cart?
HouseofNames E-Newsletter Sign Up
Lucky names, rich traditions - celebrate this March 17th!
Your surname's story, touched by St. Patrick's luck