Show ContentsLorringe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Lorringe originates in Normandy where records show Henricus Loherene was listed there in 1180. It is derived from the Old French "le Lohereng," meaning "the man from Lorraine." Other records show the fief of Lauraine, Normandy 1180-95. 1

Early Origins of the Lorringe family

The surname Lorringe was first found in Bedfordshire (Old English: Bedanfordscir), located in Southeast-central England, formerly part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, where Albert de Loraine (Lothariensis) was listed as a Baron in this county and Hereford in 1086. Roger Loering was later listed in Bedfordshire in 1165. Geoffrey le Lohareng was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1158-59 and Dauit le Loreng was listed in the Feet of Fines of Norfolk in 1197. 2

A few years later, Thomas Loring was listed in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1280. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 revealed more listings of the name: Peter de Loring in Bedfordshire; and John le Loring in Oxfordshire. Kirby's Quest, another census a the time of King Edward III (1312 -1377) listed Alice Loring and Emma Loring both in Somerset. 3

"At Beaworthy, [Devon] a park was made about 1366 by Sir Nigel Loring, one of the first Knights of the Garter." 4

In the same century, the name was also found in Scotland where Eustace de Lorreyne was a Commissioner, at Berwick on Tweed in 1333. 5 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's historical novel "Sir Nigel" first chapter is entitled "The House of Loring."

Early History of the Lorringe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lorringe research. Another 413 words (30 lines of text) covering the years 1340, 1342, 1359, 1365, 1386, 1566 and 1628 are included under the topic Early Lorringe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lorringe Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Lorringe has been recorded under many different variations, including Loring, Loreing, Lorring, Lorin, Lorrin and others.

Early Notables of the Lorringe family

Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lorringe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lorringe family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Lorringes were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Thomas Loring, his wife and two sons who arrived in Dorchester, MA in 1634; Robert Loring, who came to Virginia in 1664; James Loring, who settled in Virginia in 1682.



  1. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  4. Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
  5. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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