Virginie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Virginie

What does the name Virginie mean?

The surname Virginie 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 Virginie family

The surname Virginie 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 Virginie family

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

Virginie 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 Virgin, Virgine,Vergin, Vergine, Virgo, Virgoe and many more.

Early Notables of the Virginie family

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

Migration of the Virginie family

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 Virginie or a variant listed above: 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.

Contemporary Notables of the name Virginie (post 1700) +

Pauline Virginie Déjazet (1799-1875), French actress
Virginie Claes (1982-2006), Miss Belgium 2006
Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau (1859-1915), American-born, French Parisian socialite known for her beauty

The Virginie 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)