Sourd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
England

Etymology of Sourd

What does the name Sourd mean?

The Sourd surname in Scotland has two distinct origins. In some instances it is an old occupational name for an armorer, derived from the Old English word "sword," while other occurrences of the name are from derivations from the personal name Siward.

Early Origins of the Sourd family

The surname Sourd was first found in the ancient Pictish lands where they were anciently found in their territories. Sourd was the name of the victor over MacBeth at the battle of Dunsinnan in 1054. A Robert Suerd is on record in the Pipe Rolls of Berkshire in 1185. Other early records show a John Swerde, who was given conduct from Scotland into England in 1398; he was the Master of a ship "Archibald," and was made Earl of Douglas in 1405. Malcolm Sword was on record in Stirling in 1628; a Patrick Sword was treasurer there in 1631, and burgess in 1646.

Early History of the Sourd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sourd research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1745 and 1870 are included under the topic Early Sourd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sourd Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Sword, Swerd, Suerd, Sourd, Suorde and others.

Early Notables of the Sourd family

More information is included under the topic Early Sourd Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sourd family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..

Contemporary Notables of the name Sourd (post 1700) +

Francis Sourd, of the Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris

The Sourd 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: Paratus
Motto Translation: Prepared.