| ![Show Contents]() Starrs History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of StarrsWhat does the name Starrs mean? The ancestors of the Starrs family lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Starrs was a name given to a person whose personality or appearance called to mind a star. Starrs is a nickname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Nicknames form a broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, and can refer directly or indirectly to one's personality, physical attributes, mannerisms, or even their habits of dress. The surname Starrs comes from the Old English words sterre, or starre, which mean star, and would have been given to someone with a bright personality. This word was also used to refer to a white patch of hair on the forehead of a horse, an so, it may have been transferred to refer to someone with a streak of white hair. Early Origins of the Starrs familyThe surname Starrs was first found in Wiltshire where they held a family seat from ancient times in the village of Longbridge Deverill at Glastonbury. It is said that King Alfred, King of the west Saxons, camped the night in the Deverill valley before defeating the Danes at the Battle of Ethandune in 878. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Leuenot Sterre held lands in Derbyshire. 1 Later in Norfolk, we found Simon Sterre in the Pipe Rolls of 1130 and later again, William Sturre, Sterre was listed in the Assize Rolls for Gloucestershire in 1221. 2 Early History of the Starrs familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Starrs research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1629, 1633, 1637 and 1672 are included under the topic Early Starrs History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Starrs Spelling VariationsStarrs has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Starrs have been found, including Starr, Star, Starre, Ster, Sterr, Starmer and others. Early Notables of the Starrs familyAnother 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Starrs Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Starrs family to IrelandSome of the Starrs 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.
| Starrs migration to Canada | + |
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Starrss to arrive on North American shores: Starrs Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century- Mr. George Starrs U.E. who settled in Yonge [Front of Yonge], United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Ontario c. 1786 resettled in Hawkesbury before 1788 he served in the Loyal Rangers 3
Starrs Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century- Sarah Starrs, aged 22, a widow, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Dorcas Savage" from Belfast, Ireland
- Margaret Starrs, aged 60, a widow, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Dorcas Savage" from Belfast, Ireland
- George Starrs, aged 17, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Dorcas Savage" from Belfast, Ireland
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: Vive en espoir
Motto Translation: Live in hope
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
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