Orphans History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Orphans

What does the name Orphans mean?

Orphans is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Orphans family lived in Norfolk. The name, however, is a reference to Erpen, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Early Origins of the Orphans family

The surname Orphans was first found in Norfolk where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Orphans family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Orphans research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Orphans History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Orphans Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Orpen, Orbin, Erpen, Arpen, Orpingham, Orpington, Orpin and many more.

Early Notables of the Orphans family

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

Migration of the Orphans family to Ireland

Some of the Orphans 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.

Migration of the Orphans family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Orphans or a variant listed above: John Orpen arrived in Barbados in 1680 with his wife and servants; Edward Orpen, who arrived in Halifax, N.S. sometime between 1598 and 1867; as well as Saml Orpen, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750..

The Orphans 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: Veritas vincit
Motto Translation: Truth Conquers.