Sherwand History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Sherwand is a name that dates far back into the mists of early British history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is derived from the baptismal name for the son of Sherwin. 1 Alternatively the name could have been from the Old English word Scirwine (bright, friend); a nickname for a fast runner, "shear wind." 2

Early Origins of the Sherwand family

The surname Sherwand was first found in Nottinghamshire at Bramcote, a parish, in the union of Shardlow, S. division of the wapentake of Broxtow. 3 However, we must look to Oxfordshire to find the earliest listings as the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed: John Surewyne; and William Surewyne as both residing there at that time. 1

But it is Nottinghamshire that the lion's share of the family claim descent. "Sherwin was a well known name in Nottingham two centuries ago. Between 1623 and 1716, five mayors of that town bore this name." 4

Early History of the Sherwand family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sherwand research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1550, 1581, 1607, 1645, 1687 and 1709 are included under the topic Early Sherwand History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sherwand Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Sherwand are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Sherwand include: Sherwin, Sherwyn, Sherwins and others.

Early Notables of the Sherwand family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Saint Ralph Sherwin (1550-1581) was an English Roman Catholic priest born at Radesley, near Langford, Derbyshire who was charged with having conspired to procure the queen's deposition and death, and to promote rebellion at home and invasion of the...
Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sherwand Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sherwand family to Ireland

Some of the Sherwand family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 52 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sherwand family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Sherwand or a variant listed above: John Sherwin who arrived in New England in 1679; John Sherwin arrived in New York in 1820; John, Thomas and William Sherwin, all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1840 and 1870..

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.