Rentfro History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Rentfro family

The surname Rentfro was first found in Berwickshire at Renton, in the parish of Coldingham. "The Rentons of Renton were hereditary foresters of Coldingham in the reign of William the Lion, and Ricardus forestarius appears in record as Ricardus de Reningtona. In the fourteenth century the Rentons were an influential family of burgesses in Berwick. During the fifteenth century the family terminated in the direct line in a daughter who married Ellem of Ellemsford. Robert de Rentun witnessed a charter by Herbert, abbot of Kelso, c. 1225. Symon of Rennyngton, burgess of Jedburgh, rendered homage in 1296 (Bain, II, p. 197). John de Raynton who had a charter of lands of Over Lamberton in 1323 is probably the John de Rainton (Rayntoun, or Rayneton) who was burgess and customar of Berwick in 1325 and following years and c. 1332 received a charter of lands in Kirckambirton." 1

In southern England, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 include: Mathew de Renedon, or Reneton, Devon; and Robert de Reyndon, Warwickshire. 2

But in Yorkshire, England, the variants Render and Rinder "still exist in Yorkshire, where it is found five centuries ago." 2 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 include entries for Willelmui Rendrour; Johannes Rendrour; Matilda Rendurer; and Johannes Rendour as all having lands there at that time. In this case, the name "is derived from an occupation. or official, 'the Tenderer,' one who paid rent, one who held by an annual payment." 2

Early History of the Rentfro family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rentfro research. Another 264 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1165, 1235, 1296, 1330, 1429, 1431, 1464, 1473, 1479, 1500, 1548, 1557, 1561, 1569, 1590, 1634, 1646, 1667 and 1782 are included under the topic Early Rentfro History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rentfro Spelling Variations

During the era when a person's name, tribe and posterity was one of his most important possessions, many different spellings were found in the archives examined. Rentfro occurred in many references, and spelling variations of the name found included Renton, Wrenton, Rentin, Renten, Wrenten, Wrentin and others.

Early Notables of the Rentfro family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rentfro Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Rentfro family

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of illness and the elements, were buried at sea. In North America, early immigrants bearing the family name Rentfro, or a spelling variation of the surname include: James Renton, who settled in Virginia in 1716; William Renton settled in Nevis in 1722; Mary Renton arrived with her husband in New York in 1822.

Contemporary Notables of the name Rentfro (post 1700) +

Rentfro Banton Creager (1877-1950), American Republican politician, U.S. Collector of Customs, 1909; Member of Republican National Committee from Texas, 1924-40 3

The Rentfro 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: Trust in God and not in strength

Sources +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 28) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html