Gerrans History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of GerransWhat does the name Gerrans mean? Gerrans is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. Gerrans comes from the Old French given name Jerome, which itself was originally derived from the Greek name Hieronymos. The Greek name was composed of the elements hieros, which means sacred, and onyma, which means name. 1 Early Origins of the Gerrans familyThe surname Gerrans was first found in Berkshire where the first record of the Gerrans family was as an early spelling as a forename, German Curzun who was listed there in 1206. The Curia Regis Rolls also included Jeronimus, Geronimus, Gerarmus de Curzun in Berkshire and Staffordshire (1206-1211.) A few years later, Jerom' de Ponte Burgi was found in the Assize Rolls for Yorkshire in 1219 and later again, Jeronimus de Normaneby was listed in the Pipe Rolls for Lincolnshire in 1230. 2 Early History of the Gerrans familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gerrans research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1194, 1604, 1607, 1614, 1619, 1624, 1650, 1729, 1748, 1770 and 1853 are included under the topic Early Gerrans History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Gerrans Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Gerrans include Jerome, Jerrome, Jerram, Jeran, Jarrom, Jerrems, Gerome, Gerram and many more. Early Notables of the Gerrans familyDistinguished members of the family include Stephen Jerome (fl. 1604-1650), an English miscellaneous writer, was educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he proceeded B.A. in 1604, and M.A. in 1607. In 1619 he was a preacher at St. Nicholas's Church, Newcastle (cf. Ambrose Barnes, Memoirs, p. 305, Surtees Society). Writing from Ireland in 1624, he describes himself as ‘domesticke chaplain to the Rt... Migration of the Gerrans family to IrelandSome of the Gerrans family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Gerrans familyIn England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Gerranss to arrive on North American shores: William Jerome, who sailed to New Orleans in 1820; William Jerroms and Joseph Jerome to New York in 1830; and R.L. Jerome to San Francisco in 1851.
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