| ![Show Contents]() Garnis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of GarnisWhat does the name Garnis mean? "This surname has been settled in Norfolk and Suffolk for six centuries. But the early scattered instances strongly presuppose a fontal origin." 1 Another source postulates the name was "perhaps from a derivative of the Old French word gernon meaning ‘moustache’. 2 Early Origins of the Garnis familyThe surname Garnis was first found in Suffolk where Robert Garnoise held lands in 1194. Gilbert le Garneys was listed in Norfolk in 1269. 2 Another source notes Gilbert Garnoise succeeded Robert at Laxfield in 1202. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included entries for Roger Garneys, Suffolk; John Gerneys, Southamptonshire; and John Gerneys, Lincolnshire. 1 In Norfolk, we found entries for Robert Gameys, 1384; Ralph Garneys, 1446; and Nicholas Garnish, 1599 3 and in Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed: Thomas Gamys; and Robert Gamys. 1 Early History of the Garnis familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Garnis research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1455, 1487, 1513 and 1534 are included under the topic Early Garnis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Garnis Spelling VariationsUntil the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Garnis include Garnish, Garneys, Garnoise, Garnays, Gareneys, Garniss, Garnies, Garness, Garnesh, Garnishe and many more. Early Notables of the Garnis familySir Christopher Garneys or Garnysse (died 1534), Chief Porter of Calais, a gentleman usher of the king's chamber in the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII. "He was the king's companion in the masquerades then popular at court, and won money at cards from his royal master. He was rewarded by an annuity of 10l., soon afterwards increased to 20l. and 30l., by...
Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Garnis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Garnis familyThousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Garnis were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: settlers, who arrived along the eastern seaboard, from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.
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: Goddes grace governe Garneys
Motto Translation: God's grace governs the Garneys
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
 |
