Pennyfeather History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

Etymology of Pennyfeather

What does the name Pennyfeather mean?

The surname Pennyfeather is derived from the Old English words "penig," which means "penny," and "fæder," which means "father." The surname Pennyfeather 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 Pennyfeather family

The surname Pennyfeather 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 Pennyfeather family

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

Pennyfeather Spelling Variations

Although there are comparatively few Welsh surnames, they have a great many spelling variations. Variations of Welsh names began almost immediately after their acceptance within Welsh society. In the Middle Ages, it was up to priests and the few other people that recorded names in official documents to decide how to spell the names that they heard. Variations that occurred because of improper recording increased dramatically as the names were later transliterated into English. The Brythonic Celtic language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, featured many highly inflected sounds that could not be properly captured by the English language. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual's design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were all indicated by the particular variation of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Pennyfeather have included Pennefather, Penniefather, Penyfather, Pennyfadyr and many more.

Early Notables of the Pennyfeather family

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

Migration of the Pennyfeather family to Ireland

Some of the Pennyfeather 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.

Pennyfeather migration to the United States +

Many Welsh joined the great migrations to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Like their Scottish and Irish neighbors, many Welsh families left their homeland hoping to find hope and prosperity in a land that the English did not exercise a tight rule over. Those Welsh immigrants that successfully traveled to North America went on to make significant contributions to the rapid development of both Canada and the United States in terms of the settling of land and the establishment of industry. They also added to the rich cultural heritage of both countries. An examination into the immigration and passenger lists has discovered a number of people bearing the name Pennyfeather:

Pennyfeather Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

James Pennyfeather, who settled in Philadelphia in 1857

Pennyfeather migration to Australia +

Pennyfeather Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

James Pennyfeather, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "City of London" in 1840 1

The Pennyfeather 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.

Sources +

State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) CITY OF LONDON 1840. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840CityOfLondon.gif