Drinkwaters History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Drinkwaters

What does the name Drinkwaters mean?

The name Drinkwaters is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Drinkwaters was a name used for a literally comes from the words drink and water, but there are many interesting theories as to the reason for the nickname. The universal beverage in the Middle Ages was weak ale, perhaps the name was given to a teetotaler; or perhaps to a pauper unable to afford beer. Perhaps the name was given in irony to an innkeeper or a noted tippler. Some have even suggested that the name was given to diabetics who had voracious thirsts.

Early Origins of the Drinkwaters family

The surname Drinkwaters was first found in Cheshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Drinkwaters family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Drinkwaters research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Drinkwaters History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Drinkwaters Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Drinkwaters include Drinkwater, Drinkwatter and others.

Early Notables of the Drinkwaters family

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

Migration of the Drinkwaters family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Drinkwaters were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: John Drinkwater who settled in Barbados in 1658 and moved to Virginia in 1660; another John Drinkwater settled in Virginia in 1637; William Drinkwater settled in Barbados in 1664.

The Drinkwaters 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: Labore omnia florent
Motto Translation: All things flourish with industry.