Show ContentsSheaves History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Sheaves

What does the name Sheaves mean?

The name Sheaves is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived near a small wood or shaw. Sheaves is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. The surname Sheaves is believed to be derived from the Old English word sceaga, which means dweller by the wood.

Early Origins of the Sheaves family

The surname Sheaves was first found in Berkshire, where they were established in the 12th century.

Early History of the Sheaves family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sheaves research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1191, 1281, 1307, 1388, 1407, 1615, 1617, 1635, 1659, 1660, 1661, 1679, 1680, 1690, 1696, 1780, 1815 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Sheaves History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sheaves Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Sheaves are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. 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. The variations of the name Sheaves include: Shaw, Shawe, Shave, Sheaves, Shaves, Shay, Shayes and many more.

Early Notables of the Sheaves family

Notables of the family at this time include John Shawe (died 1407), of Oxford, English politician, Member of the Parliament of England (MP) for Oxford in 1388; Sir John Shaw, 1st Baronet (c 1615-1680), an English merchant and politician, Member of Parliament for Lyme Regis (1661-1679); Sir...
Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sheaves Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sheaves family to Ireland

Some of the Sheaves family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 71 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Sheaves migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Sheaves or a variant listed above:

Sheaves Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • John Sheaves, who settled in New York, NY in 1820

Contemporary Notables of the name Sheaves (post 1700) +

  • Evan Sheaves, American actor, best known for his starring role in an episode of the hit American TV series, Farscape

SS Caribou
  • Mr. Israel Sheaves, British crew member was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking


The Sheaves 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: Vincit qui patitur
Motto Translation: He conquers who endures.


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