Show ContentsViccary History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Viccary is a name whose history on English soil dates back to the wave of migration that followed the Norman Conquest of England of 1066. The Viccary family lived in Devon. Their name, however, is a reference to La Vacherie, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Early Origins of the Viccary family

The surname Viccary was first found in Devon. They were originally from La Vacherie, and acquired their seat at Dunkeswell in Devon soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Early History of the Viccary family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Viccary research. Another 42 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1490 and 1561 are included under the topic Early Viccary History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Viccary Spelling Variations

A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Vickare, Vickery, Vickary and others.

Early Notables of the Viccary family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Thomas Vicary (1490-1561), an early English physician, surgeon and anatomist, born in Kent, he was, "but a meane practiser in Maidstone." Henry VIII advanced him to the position of sergeant-surgeon...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Viccary Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Viccary family to Ireland

Some of the Viccary family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Viccary migration to the United States +

Many English families left England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Viccary or a variant listed above:

Viccary Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Joshua Viccary, who landed in Maryland in 1671 1
  • Mary Viccary, who arrived in Maryland in 1675 1
  • John Viccary, who arrived in Maryland in 1675 1


The Viccary 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: Probitas verus honos
Motto Translation: Probity is true honor.


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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