Wilberfos History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Wilberfos is a name that first reached England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Wilberfos family lived in Yorkshire, at Wilberfosse.

Early Origins of the Wilberfos family

The surname Wilberfos was first found in Yorkshire where they were Lords of the manor of Wilberforce, and descended from Phillip of Kyme, Lord of Wilberfosse. The parish of Wilberfoss(e) in the East Riding of Yorkshire was home to the family. "This place, from the time of the Conquest, was the property of the Wilberforce family, from which was descended the late William Wilberforce, the distinguished philanthropist; but the ancient family mansion and the estates were sold in 1710, and the lands are now divided among several proprietors, of whom Col. Wyndham is lord of the manor." 1

Early History of the Wilberfos family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wilberfos research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1797 and 1833 are included under the topic Early Wilberfos History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wilberfos Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, Anglo-Norman surnames like Wilberfos are characterized by many spelling variations. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages such as Norman French and Latin, even literate people regularly changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Wilberfos include Wilberforce, Wilberfoss, Wilberfosse and many more.

Early Notables of the Wilberfos family

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

Migration of the Wilberfos family

Faced with the chaos present in England at that time, many English families looked towards the open frontiers of the New World with its opportunities to escape oppression and starvation. People migrated to North America, as well as Australia and Ireland in droves, paying exorbitant rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, but those who did see the shores of North America were welcomed with great opportunity. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America carried the name Wilberfos, or a variant listed above: William Wilberforce settled in Virginia in 1730.

The Wilberfos 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: Nos non nobis
Motto Translation: We not for ourselves.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.