Show ContentsOrmrode History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Ormrode is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in a clearing in a wood. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old Scandinavian personal name Ormr and the Old English word rod, which meant "forest clearing." The name as a whole means "clearing of a man named Ormr." The original bearer lived in or near a clearing known by this name.

Early Origins of the Ormrode family

The surname Ormrode was first found in Lancashire where the first recorded ancestor was Matthew de Hormerodes, living about 1270. 1

Early History of the Ormrode family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ormrode research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1653 and 1793 are included under the topic Early Ormrode History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ormrode 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. Ormrode has been spelled many different ways, including Ormerod, Omerod, Omrod, Ormrod and others.

Early Notables of the Ormrode family

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

Migration of the Ormrode 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 Ormrodes to arrive in North America: George and Thomas Omrod, who settled in Philadelphia in 1880 and 1840 respectively.



  1. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.


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