Fordy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Fordy comes from the ancient Norman culture that was established in Britain after the Conquest of 1066. It was a 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.

Early Origins of the Fordy family

The surname Fordy 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 Fordy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fordy research. Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fordy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fordy Spelling Variations

Anglo-Norman names are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. When the Normans became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of Old and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Fort, Forte, Forts, Fortes, Foort, Foorte and many more.

Early Notables of the Fordy family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Fordy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fordy migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Fordy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

James Fordy, aged 25, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1857 aboard the ship "Tantivy"

The Fordy 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: Fortis et audax
Motto Translation: Strong and brave