Show ContentsBonnare History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Bonnare family

The surname Bonnare was first found in Herefordshire where Bonner is an ancient name. "As Boner and Bonere, it occurred in Oxfordshire and Huntingdonshire in the reign of Edward I." 1

Early History of the Bonnare family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bonnare research. Another 231 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1281, 1451, 1500, 1548, 1569 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Bonnare History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bonnare 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 Bonner, Boner, Bonners, Bonar, Bonnar, Bonare and many more.

Early Notables of the Bonnare family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Edmund Bonner (c.1500-1569), Bishop of London, who became known as Bloody Bonner for his role in the persecution of heretics under the Catholic government of Mary I of England. He was later...
Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bonnare Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bonnare family to Ireland

Some of the Bonnare family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 51 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 Bonnare 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 Bonnare or a variant listed above: John and Michael Bonar landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1847 and 1879 respectively; Hugh Bonar settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1767.



The Bonnare 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: Semper fidelis
Motto Translation: Always faithful.


  1. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.


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