Raycroft History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Raycroft family, who lived at Rycroft, in the parish of Birstall, Yorkshire. The surname literally means "dweller by the ryecroft," from the Old English words "ryge, croft." 1

Early Origins of the Raycroft family

The surname Raycroft was first found in Yorkshire at Ryecroft, a hamlet in the township of Tong, and parish of Birstall. 2 There are several smaller communities that bear this name including locals in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. But it is from Yorkshire that one of the first records of the name was found: Margareta de Rycroft who was listed there in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. The same rolls list Ricardus Rycroft. 2

While there is no doubt of the Yorkshire origin of the name, we would be remiss if we did not include a couple of early entries for the name, that of: Richard de Riecroft at Barnewall, Cambridgeshire c. 1230; and Richard de Ruycroft in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1325. 1

By the 16th century, the family had branched to Cheshire where the Wills at Chester listed Margaret Rycroft, of Haigh, widow, 1582 and George Minshull, of Rycroft, yeoman, 1586. 2

Early History of the Raycroft family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Raycroft research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1646, 1650, 1690, 1779 and 1895 are included under the topic Early Raycroft History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Raycroft Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Raycroft were recorded, including Rycroft, Roycroft, Raycroft and others.

Early Notables of the Raycroft family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir Richard Rycroft of Everlands. Samuel and Thomas Roycroft, made books in London from about 1650-1690 and from them the term "Roycroft" was born. Elbert Hubbard founded a community in 1895 in the village of East Aurora, Erie County, New York, near Buffalo. It was there that people were...
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Raycroft Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Raycroft migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Raycroft Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Sally Raycroft, aged 19, who arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship "Elgin" 3
Mary Raycroft, aged 17, who arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship "Elgin" 3
Mary Raycroft, aged 17, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Elgin" in 1849 3
Sally Raycroft, aged 19, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Elgin" in 1849 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Raycroft (post 1700) +

Joseph Edward Raycroft (1867-1955), American head men's basketball coach for the University of Chicago (1906-1909)
Andrew Joseph Ernest Raycroft (b. 1980), Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender, awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2004 as Rookie of the Year
Jordan Raycroft (b. 1991), Canadian Juno Award nominated singer-songwriter and the frontman of the Canadian band Raycroft

The Raycroft 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: Faythe hathe no fear
Motto Translation: Faith has no fear.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) ELGIN 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Elgin.htm