Fursan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Fursan

What does the name Fursan mean?

The name Fursan is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived in an area of Devon that contained large amounts of the furze plant. This plant was a prickly shrub with yellow flowers and was often found in large amounts covering a heath.

Early Origins of the Fursan family

The surname Fursan was first found in Devon at Fursdon, a historic house and farming estate. "From the days of Henry III, if not from an earlier period, this ancient family has resided at this place from whence the name is derived." 1

Early History of the Fursan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fursan research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1340, 1620 and 1638 are included under the topic Early Fursan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fursan Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Fursan are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. 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. The variations of the name Fursan include: Furse, Furze, Fursdon, Fursdonne and others.

Early Notables of the Fursan family

Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fursan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Fursan family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Fursan or a variant listed above: Morris Furse who settled in Barbados in 1685; John Furze arrived in Philadelphia in 1851. William Forse or Furse settled in St. John's Newfoundland in 1703.

The Fursan 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: No desit virtus
Motto Translation: No lack of power

Sources +

Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.