Wittney History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancestors of the Wittney family brought their name to England in the wave of migration after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Herefordshire, at the village of Whitney.

Early Origins of the Wittney family

The surname Wittney was first found in Herefordshire where Harold de Whitney held the Lordship of Whitney from St. Guthlac's Church.

Early History of the Wittney family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wittney research. Another 45 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1377, 1388, 1413, 1436, 1548 and 1601 are included under the topic Early Wittney History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wittney Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Wittney were recorded, including Whitney, Witney and others.

Early Notables of the Wittney family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir Robert Whitney of Whitney-on-Wye and Pencombe, High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1377; and Robert Whitney of Whitney-on-Wye, High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1413 and 1436. Geoffrey Whitney (1548?-1601?), was an English poet, the son of a father of the...
Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wittney Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Wittney family to Ireland

Some of the Wittney family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Wittney family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Wittney arrived in North America very early: Joe Whitney and his son, who settled in New England in 1635; John Whitney, who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1635, along with Richard and Nathaniel.

The Wittney 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: Volens et valens
Motto Translation: Willing and able.