Portess History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

When the ancestors of the Portess family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Norfolk. Thae name could also be an occupational name. Occupational names that were derived from the common trades of the medieval era transcended European cultural and linguistic boundaries. In this case, the term porcker was someone who tended pigs.

Early Origins of the Portess family

The surname Portess was first found in Norfolk where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Portess family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Portess research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1185 and 1273 are included under the topic Early Portess History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Portess Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Portess has been recorded under many different variations, including Porcher, Porchers and others.

Early Notables of the Portess family

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

Migration of the Portess family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Portesss were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: William Porcher, who came to Virginia in 1619; Richard Porcher, who arrived in Virginia in 1672; Isaac and Claudia Porcher, who settled in Carolina with their five children in 1695.

The Portess 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: Pro rege
Motto Translation: For the King.