Virgines History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Virgines

What does the name Virgines mean?

The surname Virgines comes from the Latin "virgo" meaning maiden, from which is derived the English word virgin. It is possible that the surname was originally a nickname for someone who had played the part of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a mystery play.

Early Origins of the Virgines family

The surname Virgines was first found in 1275 in Kent, where Simon Virg' who was listed in the Rotuli Hundredorum under the direction of Edward I. 1

Early History of the Virgines family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Virgines research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1428, 1581, 1587, 1610 and 1637 are included under the topic Early Virgines History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Virgines Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Virgines has been recorded under many different variations, including Virgin, Virgine,Vergin, Vergine, Virgo, Virgoe and many more.

Early Notables of the Virgines family

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

Migration of the Virgines family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Virginess were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: John and Susan Virgo, who settled in Virginia in 1624; Robert Virgin, who settled in Virginia in 1637; Thomas Virgo, who was granted land by William Penn in Pennsylvania in 1682.

The Virgines 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: Nunc aut nunquam
Motto Translation: Now or never.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)