Lightbowne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Lightbowne

What does the name Lightbowne mean?

Lightbowne is an ancient name dating from the times of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a person who was a small person, a gentle person, or someone who was habitually active and joyful. The surname Lightbowne is derived from one of a number of Old English words: the word lytel means little; the word leoht translates as light; and the word lithe means gentle or mild.

Early Origins of the Lightbowne family

The surname Lightbowne was first found in Lancashire 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 Lightbowne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lightbowne research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1574, 1602 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Lightbowne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lightbowne Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Lightbowne include Lightbody, Lightboddie and others.

Early Notables of the Lightbowne family

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

Migration of the Lightbowne family to Ireland

Some of the Lightbowne family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lightbowne family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Lightbowne were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Elizabeth Lightbody, who arrived in America in 1775; James Lightbody, his wife and two sons, who settled in Quebec in 1820; John Lightbody, who was on record in Jamaica in 1825.

The Lightbowne 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: Clarior e tenebris
Motto Translation: The brighter from previous obscurity.