Spafford History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of SpaffordWhat does the name Spafford mean? The Anglo-Saxon name Spafford comes from when the family resided in the parish of Spofforth in Knaresborough in Yorkshire. Early Origins of the Spafford familyThe surname Spafford was first found in the West Riding of Yorkshire at Spoffarth, a parish, in the Upper division of the wapentake of Claro. "This place was the residence of the Percy family previously to their settlement at Alnwick, and possessed a formidable castle, their baronial seat, which was demolished by the Yorkists after the battle of Towton, in which the Earl of Northumberland, and his brother Sir Charles Percy, were slain. The remains consist chiefly of the grand hall, which, though a ruin, retains much of its ancient magnificence. The church is a spacious and handsome structure, partly in the Norman and early English styles, and contains a monument with a recumbent figure of a Knight Templar. " 1 Listed as Spoford in the Domesday Book of 1086, by 1218 the parish was known as Spotford. Literally the place name means "ford by a small plot of ground," from the Old English words "spot" + "ford." 2 Early History of the Spafford familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Spafford research. Another 49 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1421 and 1448 are included under the topic Early Spafford History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Spafford Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Spafford include Spaford, Spafford, Spafforde, Spafforth and others. Early Notables of the Spafford familyMore information is included under the topic Early Spafford Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Spafford RankingIn the United States, the name Spafford is the 15,335th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 3
A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Spafford Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Spafford Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Spafford Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Spafford Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Spafford Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
Spafford Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
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: Fidelis ad extremum Motto Translation: Faithful to the extreme.
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