Show ContentsObourn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Obourn

What does the name Obourn mean?

One of the most common classes of Scottish surnames is the patronymic surname, which arose out of the vernacular and religious naming traditions. The vernacular or regional naming tradition is the oldest and most pervasive type of patronymic surname. According to this custom, names were originally composed of vocabulary elements from the local language. Patronymic surnames of this type were usually derived from the personal name of the original bearer's father. The surname Obourn is derived from the Old Norse personal name Asbjorn, meaning divine bear. Alternatively the name was Anglicized as Osbeorn and Osbern from the Old English word "be(o)rn" which meant "god warrior." Osbernus was presbyter in record (1097-1107), and Osbern was capellanus (chaplain) from 1107 to 1124. Osbernus was abbot of Jaddewurd, (c. 1150) and Osbern was capellanus of Glasgow, c. 1180. 1

Early Origins of the Obourn family

The surname Obourn was first found in Kent, where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity seated as Lords of the manor of Hartlip. They were descended from Sarum in Normandy, Osborne was expelled from Normandy in 1054 by King William. He sought refuge at the Court of MacBeth in Scotland, however he made his peace with William after the Conquest and was elected Bishop of Sarum and became one of only three people permitted to dine at the King's Table.

Early History of the Obourn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Obourn research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1160, 1180, 1398, 1399, 1513, 1596, 1639, 1648, 1649, 1656, 1667, 1671, 1685, 1715, 1730 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Obourn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Obourn Spelling Variations

Scottish surnames are distinguished by a multitude of spelling variations because, over the centuries, the names were frequently translated into and from Gaelic. Furthermore, the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent because medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules. The different versions of a surname, such as the inclusion of the patronymic prefix "Mac", frequently indicated a religious or Clan affiliation or even a division of the family. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into Scotland, accelerating accentuating the alterations to various surnames. The name Obourn has also been spelled Osborne, Osborn, Osbourne, Osbourn, Osburn, Osburne, Osbern and many more.

Early Notables of the Obourn family

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

Migration of the Obourn family to Ireland

Some of the Obourn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 132 words (9 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 Obourn family

Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America carried the name Obourn, or a variant listed above: Richard Osborn settled in Barbados in 1634; Thomas Osborn settled in Virginia in 1623; Edward, George, John, Joseph, Mary, William Osborn all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.



The Obourn 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: Pax in bello
Motto Translation: Peace in war.


  1. 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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