The name Hironside is rooted in the ancient
Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a person who because of his physical characteristics and strength was referred to as
iron-side. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames,
nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.
Early Origins of the Hironside family
The surname Hironside was first found in
Durham where the best-known bearer of this
nickname was Edmund II (died 1016), better known as Edmund Ironside, King of
England from 23 April to 30 November 1016. He was not expected to be king, but his two older brothers had died, making him the oldest male heir. He earned his nickname "Ironside" because of his valour in resisting the Danish invasion led by Cnut the Great. Björn Ironside was a legendary king of Sweden who lived sometime in the 9th century.
Early History of the Hironside family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hironside research.
Another 297 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1306, 1297, 1333, 1570, 1588, 1671, 1661, 1671, 1632, 1701, 1667, 1692, 1671 and 1683 are included under the topic Early Hironside History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Hironside Spelling Variations
Hironside has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few
hundred years,
spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Hironside have been found, including Ironside, Earnside and others.
Early Notables of the Hironside family (pre 1700)
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hironside Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Hironside family to the New World and Oceana
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in
England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Hironsides to arrive on North American shores: James Ironside, who arrived in Virginia sometime between 1666 and 1667; Christian Ironside, who was banished to America in 1749; Patrick Earnside, who settled in Delaware Bay in 1783.
The Hironside 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: In hoc signo vinces
Motto Translation: Under this sign thou shall conquer.