Ormesby History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Ormesby

What does the name Ormesby mean?

The ancestors of the Ormesby family brought their name to England in the wave of migration after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Lincolnshire. The name, however, is a reference to Orme, Normandy. The family anciently claim decent from "the house of De Bayeux of Normandy. Roger de Bayhus, or Bayeux de Ormsby made grants at Ormsby to Osney Abbey, Oxford, as did Reginadl Bayhus." 1

Early Origins of the Ormesby family

The surname Ormesby was first found in Lincolnshire at North Ormsby where the first record of the family was found. " A monastery for nuns and brethren of the Sempringham order, was founded here in the time of Stephen (reign 1092-1154), by William, Earl of Albemarle, and Gilbert, son of Robert de Ormesby." 2

Early History of the Ormesby family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ormesby research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ormesby History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ormesby Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Ormesby were recorded, including Ormsby, Ormesby and others.

Early Notables of the Ormesby family

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

Migration of the Ormesby family to Ireland

Some of the Ormesby family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ormesby migration to the United States +

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Ormesby arrived in North America very early:

Ormesby Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Richard Ormesby, who settled in Maine in 1630

The Ormesby 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: Fortis qui prudens
Motto Translation: He is brave who is prudent.

Sources +

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)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.