Cantour History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Cantour

What does the name Cantour mean?

The many generations and branches of the Cantour family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a choirmaster. Checking further we found the name was derived from the word cantor, the Latin word for precentor. The name could have also come from the Old English word gaunter which was the trade name of a glover, or one who makes gloves.

Early Origins of the Cantour family

The surname Cantour was first found in Oxfordshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Cantour family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cantour research. Another 209 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1230, 1273 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Cantour History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cantour Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Cantour were recorded, including Caunter, Canter, Ganter, Gaunter, Cantor, Cantour, Cauntor and many more.

Early Notables of the Cantour family

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

Migration of the Cantour family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Cantour family emigrate to North America: Lester Ganter who arrived in New England in 1635.

The Cantour 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: Quam non terret hyems
Motto Translation: Which winger does not nip with cold.