Saynor History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Saynor

What does the name Saynor mean?

The history of the name Saynor begins with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This Norman name was soon thereafter given to a person with lordly bearing, or the older of two people with the same name. The first is by analogy with the French seigneur, meaning lord.

Early Origins of the Saynor family

The surname Saynor was first found in Norfolk, where the family was granted lands by William the Conqueror for having assisted at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The earliest known bearer of the name was Walter Seignure, who was recorded in the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk in 1164.

Early History of the Saynor family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Saynor research. Another 176 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1150, 1164, 1212, 1271, 1382, 1475, 1565, 1845 and 1887 are included under the topic Early Saynor History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Saynor 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. Saynor has been recorded under many different variations, including Senior, Sinyeard, Singard, Sinyard, Sinor, Sayner, Saynor, Sayner and many more.

Early Notables of the Saynor family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Saynor Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Saynor 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. Saynors were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Eliz Senior, who settled in Virginia in 1666; Jacob Senior, who arrived in Nevis in 1679; Joseph Senior, who arrived in Barbados in 1680 with his four servants, Jane Senior, who came to Virginia in 1728.

The Saynor 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: Medio tutissimus ibis
Motto Translation: Go most safely by the middle course