Show ContentsOlroode History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Olroode is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived as inhabitants inside a clearing in a wooded region. 1

Early Origins of the Olroode family

The surname Olroode was first found in Sussex where Thomas and Andrew Holerode were listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1296. Later, Gilbert de Holrode was listed in the same rolls, but for Suffolk in 1327. 1

Early History of the Olroode family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Olroode research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1708, 1709, 1735, 1760, 1763, 1766, 1768, 1769, 1778, 1781, 1783 and 1821 are included under the topic Early Olroode History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Olroode Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Olroode has been spelled many different ways, including Holroyd, Hollroyd, Ollroyd, Olroyd, Oldroyd and others.

Early Notables of the Olroode family

Notables of this surname at this time include: John Baker Holroyd first Earl of Sheffield (1735-1821), English statesman, second son of Isaac Holroyd (1708-1778), the representative of an old West Riding family which had migrated to Ireland in the reign of Charles II and acquired large estates there. " He was born in 1735, entered the army in 1760; and became captain in...
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Olroode Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Olroode family to Ireland

Some of the Olroode family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 49 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 Olroode family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Olroodes to arrive in North America: Joseph Holroyd who settled in Alexandria Virginia in 1819; Sarah Holroyd and Husband and child settled in Philadelphia in 1820; Benton Holrode settled in Pennsylvania in 1872.



The Olroode 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: Quem te Deus esse jussit
Motto Translation: What God commands you to be.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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