The name Ironsyde is of
Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for 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 Ironsyde family
The surname Ironsyde 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 Ironsyde family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ironsyde 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 Ironsyde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Ironsyde Spelling Variations
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few
hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Ironsyde have been found, including Ironside, Earnside and others.
Early Notables of the Ironsyde family (pre 1700)
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ironsyde Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Ironsyde family to the New World and Oceana
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in
England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in
England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Ironsyde surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: 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 Ironsyde 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.