Price History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Wales

Etymology of Price

What does the name Price mean?

The Welsh name Price is a patronymic surname created from the Welsh personal name Rhys, which also took the forms Rice and Rees. The surname Price was originally ap-Rhys, ap-Rice, or ap-Rees: the distinctive Welsh patronymic prefix "ap," means "son of," but the prefix has been assimilated into the surname over the course of time.

Early Origins of the Price family

The surname Price 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 Price family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Price research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1505, 1573, 1596, 1599, 1605, 1619, 1628, 1630, 1640, 1646, 1648, 1651, 1657, 1660, 1661, 1666, 1671, 1675, 1678, 1691, 1744, 1752 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Price History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Price Spelling Variations

There are relatively few surnames native to Wales, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. Early variations of Welsh surnames can be explained by the fact that very few people in the early Middle Ages were literate. Priests and the few other literate people were responsible for recording names in official documents. And because most people could not specific how to properly record their names it was up to the individual recorder of that time to determine how a spoken name should be recorded. Variations due to the imprecise or improper recording of a name continued later in history when names originally composed in the Brythonic Celtic, language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, were transliterated into English. Welsh names that were documented in English often changed dramatically since the native language of Wales, which was highly inflected, did not copy well. Occasionally, however, spelling variations were carried out according to an individual's specific design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by minor variations. The spelling variations of the name Price have included Price, Pryce and others.

Early Notables of the Price family

Marchwithian, Chieftain of the Prices in North Wales; Sir John Price, Ap Price, Ap Rhys (died 1573), Welsh visitor of the monasteries, was son of Rhys ab Gwilym; Sir John Pryce (Price), 1st Baronet (c...
Ellis Price (1505-1599), was a Welsh administrator, second son of Robert ap Rhys ap Maredudd of Foelas and Plas Iolyn, Denbighshire. 1

Price World Ranking

the United States, the name Price is the 76^th most popular surname with an estimated 246,213 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Price is ranked the 254^th most popular surname with an estimated 16,188 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Price is the 96^th popular surname with an estimated 26,319 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Price as 105^th with 3,945 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Price as 57^th with 74,870 people. 6

Migration of the Price family to Ireland

Some of the Price family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 83 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Price migration to the United States +

Many Welsh families joined their Scottish and Irish neighbors during the late 1800s and early 1900s in seeking refuge in North America. Like the Irish and Scottish, many Welsh anxiously awaited the work, freedom, and opportunities that they believed lay in North America. Those who did journey over to the United States and what became known as Canada often realized those dreams, but only through much toil and perseverance. Whenever and however these Welsh immigrants arrived in North America, they were instrumental in the creation of the industry, commerce, and cultural heritage within those two developing nations. In the immigration and passenger lists a number of early immigrants bearing the name Price were found:

Price Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Mr. John Price, aged 40, who arrived in Virginia in 1611 aboard the ship "Starr" 8
Mr. William Price, who arrived in Virginia in 1611 aboard the ship "Starr" 8
Hugh Price,aged 35, who arrived in Virginia in 1618 aboard the ship "William and John"
Miss Judith Price, aged 24, who arrived in Virginia in 1619 aboard the ship "Mary Gold" 8
Ann Price, aged 21, who arrived in Virginia in 1620 aboard the ship "Francis Bonaventure" 8
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Price Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Anne Price, who landed in Virginia in 1703 9
Frances Price, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 9
Conrad Price, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1753 9
John Jacob Price, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1753 9
George Price, who arrived in Frederick County, Maryland in 1796 9

Price Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Ellis Price, who landed in America in 1801 9
David Price, aged 23, who landed in New York in 1812 9
Mr. Charles Price, aged 38, British farmer who arrived in New York aboard the ship "North America" on 12th October 1840
Miss Emma Price, British settler who arrived in New Orleans aboard the ship "Tyrian" on 9th November 1841
Mrs. Mary Ann Price, British settler who arrived in New Orleans aboard the ship "Tyrian" on 9th November 1841
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Price migration to Canada +

Price Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mrs. Anne Price U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 10
Mr. John Price U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelbourne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 217 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 28, 1783 at Staten Island, New York, USA 10
Mr. John Price U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 listed as a child more than 10 years of age 10
Miss. Mary Price U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 listed as a child less than 10 years of age 10
Mr. Peter Price U.E. born in Pennsylvania, USA who settled in Pennfield, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 listed as signing the Quaker Loyalist Agreement 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Price Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mr. Edward Price who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec but died on Grosse Isle in 1847 11
Mr. James Price, aged 27 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Wellington" departing from the port of Wellington, Liverpool but died on Grosse Isle in October 1847 11
Mr. Thomas Price, aged 36 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec but died on Grosse Isle in July 1847 11

Price migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet

Mr. Thomas Price, (d. 1790), British settler convicted at Wiltshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for breaking and entering, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790, may have died on the ship 7
Mr. John Price, British settler convicted at Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to Life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 8

Second Fleet

Mr. Edward Price, British carpenter convicted in Middlesex, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing iron, transported aboard the ship "Albermarle" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 8
Mr. Henry Price, (d. 1792), British settler convicted in Wiltshire, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for breaking and entry, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 8
Mr. David Price, Welsh settler convicted in Glamorganshire, Wales in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Atlantic" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791, may have died on the ship 8
Mr. John Price, (1772 - 1791), British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to Life for highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Albermarle" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 8
Mr. John Price, (d. 1791), British settler convicted in Surrey, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Albermarle" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 8

Third Fleet

Mr. John Price, (b. 1764), aged 23, English settler convicted in Southwark, London on 16th February 1785, sentenced for 7 years for stealing animals, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 8
Mr. James Price, (b. 1760), aged 27, English settler convicted in Gloucester, Gloucestershire on 13th July 1785, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 8

Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Price Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Elizabeth Price, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
Miss Nancy Price, (Ann, Taylor), (b. 1775), aged 25, English servant who was convicted in Stafford, Staffordshire, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she died in 1826 12
Mr. James Price, British convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. Thomas Price, (b. 1755), aged 48, British convict who was convicted in Abingdon, Berkshire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1803 13
Mr. Thomas Price, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Duke of Portland" in January 1807, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Price migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Price Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Price, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Dublin Packet" arriving in Cloudy Bay, South Island, New Zealand in 1838 15
Mary Price, aged 18, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
Ann Price, aged 17, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
Thomas Price, aged 35, a gardener, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Olympus" in 1842
Dinah Price, aged 33, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Olympus" in 1842
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Price migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 16

Price Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Thomas Price, (b. 1615), aged 20, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 17
Mr. William Price, (b. 1613), aged 22, British settler travelling aboard the ship "Expedition" arriving in Barbados in 1636 18
Gregory Price, aged 24, who landed in Jamaica in 1684 9

Contemporary Notables of the name Price (post 1700) +

Mary Violet Leontyne Price (b. 1927), American operatic soprano and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Vincent Leonard Price Jr. (1911-1993), American film actor and writer, best known for his performances in horror films, founder of the eponymous Vincent Price Art Museum in California
Thommy Price (1956-2025), American musician, played drums in Scandal and Blue Öyster Cult, performed with Billy Idol's band and was in Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
William Francis Price Jr. (1930-2025), American television writer and film studio executive, held a number of executive positions including head of Universal TV; president, and later chairman and CEO, of Columbia Pictures; and president of Universal Pictures
Florence Price (1887-1953), American classical composer pianist, organist and music teacher, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer, and the first to have a composition played by a major orchestra; she composed more than 300 works, including four symphonies, four concertos
Toni Price (1961-2024), American country blues singer from Texas
Betty Ann Price (1931-2023), American music teacher, art director and ambassador
Jimmie William Price (1941-2023), American Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Detroit Tigers from 1967 to 1971, color commentator for the Detroit Tigers Radio Network
William Rayford Price (1937-2023), American politician, Member in the Texas House of Representatives (1961-1973), Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives (1972-1973)
... (Another 44 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Price family +

Air New Zealand Flight 901

Miss Beverley Joy Price (1930-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 19
Mrs. Beatrice Irene Price (1893-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 20
Herbert Price (1907-1985), from Shipley who attended the Bradford City and Lincoln City Third Division match on 11th May 1985 when the Bradford City stadium fire occurred and he died in the fire
Mr. William Price, British Assistant Pantryman from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 20
Mr. Thomas Price, British Assistant Saloon Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 21
... (Another 32 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Price 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: Vita brevis gloria aeterna
Motto Translation: Life is short, glory eternal

Sources +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 51)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duke-of-portland
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 29th September 2021. Retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html