Pennyfather History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

Etymology of Pennyfather

What does the name Pennyfather mean?

The surname Pennyfather is derived from the Old English words "penig," which means "penny," and "fæder," which means "father." The surname Pennyfather was a nickname for a person noted for uncompromising frugality, which then became a hereditary surname. Some instances of the surname may be have derived from the name of the manor of Pontfathew in Merioneth.

Early Origins of the Pennyfather family

The surname Pennyfather was first found in Merionethshire (Welsh: Sir Feirionnydd), made a county in Northwest Wales in 1284, and anciently part of the kingdom of Gwynedd, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Pennyfather family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pennyfather research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1666, 1716, 1733 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Pennyfather History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pennyfather Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. Recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Pennyfather name over the years has been spelled Pennefather, Penniefather, Penyfather, Pennyfadyr and many more.

Early Notables of the Pennyfather family

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

Migration of the Pennyfather family to Ireland

Some of the Pennyfather family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 147 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pennyfather migration to the United States +

The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Pennyfather:

Pennyfather Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Michael Pennyfather, who settled in Virginia in 1744

Pennyfather migration to Australia +

Pennyfather Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Frederick Pennyfather, aged 32, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Constantine"

The Pennyfather 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: I abyde my tyme
Motto Translation: I byde my time.