Kerritch History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Kerritch is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in the village of Kerridge found in the parish of Prestbury in the county of Cheshire.

Early Origins of the Kerritch family

The surname Kerritch was first found in Cheshire, in the village of Kerridge. The place name was derived from "key ridge." However, we must look to Suffolk for the earliest record of the family as John Kerrage was registered there in 1297. Two years later, the family "occurs in the records of Dunwich for 1299." 1

Early History of the Kerritch family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kerritch research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1308, 1327, 1524, 1616, 1628, 1631, 1748 and 1828 are included under the topic Early Kerritch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kerritch Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Kerritch has been spelled many different ways, including Kerridge, Kerrage, Kerrich, Kerriche, Kerysche and others.

Early Notables of the Kerritch family

Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kerritch Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kerritch family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Kerritchs to arrive in North America: John Kerridge, who was living in Haldimand County, Ontario in 1877; and Frederick John Kerridge, who was on record in Minneapolis in 1875.

The Kerritch 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: Nunquam Non Paratus
Motto Translation: Never unprepared.

Citations +

Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.