Show ContentsOrmsbie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Ormsbie is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Ormsbie family 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 Ormsbie family

The surname Ormsbie 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 Ormsbie family

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

Ormsbie Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Ormsbie include Ormsby, Ormesby and others.

Early Notables of the Ormsbie family

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

Ireland Migration of the Ormsbie family to Ireland

Some of the Ormsbie 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.

Migration of the Ormsbie family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Ormsbies to arrive on North American shores: Richard Ormesby, who came to Maine in 1630; as well as George, Catherine, James, John, Joseph, Robert and William Ormsby, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..



The Ormsbie 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.


  1. 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)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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