Laithwaite History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Laithwaite

What does the name Laithwaite mean?

The ancient history of the Laithwaite name begins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the family resided in Lewthwaite, a village in Cumberland. The place-name Lewthwaite is derived from the Old English words hlæw, which meant "burial mound," and thwaite, which meant "cleared land, pasture land." The name as a whole meant "burial mounds in the fields." The family name is derived from the name of the village.

Early Origins of the Laithwaite family

The surname Laithwaite was first found in Cumberland where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Laithwaite family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Laithwaite research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Laithwaite History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Laithwaite Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Laithwaite include Lewthwaite, Laithwaite, Lawthwaite and others.

Early Notables of the Laithwaite family

More information is included under the topic Early Laithwaite Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Laithwaite family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Laithwaite or a variant listed above: John Lewthwaite settled in Virginia in 1775.

Contemporary Notables of the name Laithwaite (post 1700) +

Eric Roberts Laithwaite (1921-1997), English engineer, most remembered for his development of the linear induction motor

The Laithwaite 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: Tendens ad aethera virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue aspirng toward heaven.