The name Norwey first arose amongst the
Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from their having lived in or near "the north wood," as in the northernmost wood within a particular jurisdiction; or in one of the several places named Norwood or Northwood found throughout
England.
Early Origins of the Norwey family
The surname Norwey was first found in
Oxfordshire where the name was derived from the words "north" + "wood."
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4) Some of the family were found in the parish of Sittingbourne in
Kent where: "It is an incident worthy of notice in the ancient history of this town, that Henry V. was entertained at the Red Lion here, by John Northwood, a gentleman resident in the vicinity, at the expense of nine shillings and ninepence."
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Early History of the Norwey family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Norwey research.
Another 161 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1590 and 1675 are included under the topic Early Norwey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Norwey Spelling Variations
One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The
spelling variations under which the name Norwey has appeared include Norwood, Northwood, Norwold, Narwold and others.
Early Notables of the Norwey family (pre 1700)
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Norwey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Norwey family to the New World and Oceana
At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in
England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left
England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Norwey arrived in North America very early: Francis Norwood, who arrived in Boston in 1630; Richard Norwood settled in Virginia in 1643; Mary Norwood settled in Montserrat in 1685; Richard Norwood settled in Georgia in 1733..
The Norwey 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: Sub cruce vinces
Motto Translation: Under the cross, we shall conquer.