Scrase History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Scrase

What does the name Scrase mean?

The name Scrase is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the baptismal name for the son of Scraewa, which was an ancient Anglo-Saxon personal name. Baptismal names began to appear as surnames relatively late in the growth of the naming tradition. This is a little surprising, given the popularity of biblical figures in the Christian countries of Europe. Nevertheless, surnames derived from baptismal names grew in popularity during the Middle Ages, and have become one of the foremost sources for surnames.

Early Origins of the Scrase family

The surname Scrase was first found in Sussex where the family claim to have "settled from Denmark before the Norman Conquest. However, there is no record of the family name earlier than the 13th century. The name has been conjecturally derived from the great Norman appellative of Scures or D'Escures. " 1 Another source claims that name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Scraewa, which is also coincidentally the name of a mouse.

Early History of the Scrase family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Scrase research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1620 and 1937 are included under the topic Early Scrase History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Scrase Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Scrase has been spelled many different ways, including Scrace, Scrase, Scras, Scrayce and others.

Early Notables of the Scrase family

Charles Scrase Dickens, late of Cherington, recorded as 'landed gentry' in 1937

Scrase migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Scrases to arrive in North America:

Scrase Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Scrase who settled in West New Jersey in 1664

Contemporary Notables of the name Scrase (post 1700) +

Anthony Scrase, Free Lance Artist, England

The Scrase 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: Volando reptilla sperno
Motto Translation: Flying myself I despise creeping things.

Sources +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.