Horrech History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The many generations and branches of the Horrech family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a shipwright or a sailor. The surname Horrech is derived from the Old English word horrok, which means part of a ship. 1

Occupational names frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of occupational surnames are called metonymic surnames.

Early Origins of the Horrech family

The surname Horrech was first found in Lancashire at Horrocksford. 2

"This surname is derived from a geographical locality. 'Of Horrocks,' probably the spot known as Horrocksford Hall, in the parish of Clitheroe, Lancashire." 3

The first record of the family was actually found in Berkshire where John Horroc was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1279. 1

Early History of the Horrech family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Horrech research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1584, 1596, 1604, 1617, 1619, 1639, 1641 and 1777 are included under the topic Early Horrech History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Horrech Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Horrech were recorded, including Horrocks, Horrock, Horrox, Horrocksford, Horrex and others.

Early Notables of the Horrech family

Notables of the family at this time include Jeremiah Horrocks (1619-1641) English astronomer, born in Liverpool, who became curate of Hoole, Lancashire where he made his first observation of the transit of Venus on November 24, 1639. He then deduced the solar parallax, corrected the solar diameter and made tidal observations. He was "born at Toxteth Park...
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Horrech Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Horrech family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Horrech family emigrate to North America: Thomas Horrocks settled in Virginia in 1635; George, Jeremiah Horrock and George, Henry, John, Thomas, William Willoughby, Wright Horrocks, arrived in Philadelphia between 1820 and 1860..

The Horrech 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: Spe
Motto Translation: By hope.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)