Ormsby

Origin: Ormsby is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin believed to have derived from the village of Ormsby in Lincolnshire, England. The name 'Ormsby' is a combination of the Old Norse personal name "Orm" and the Old Norse word "byr," meaning "farm" or "settlement." Therefore, the name likely means "Orm's settlement."

History: The Ormsby family can trace its lineage back to the medieval period in England. They were prominent landowners and held significant estates in various parts of England, including Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Over the centuries, the Ormsby family played a role in local governance, serving as landowners, magistrates, and members of the clergy.

Coat of Arms: The Ormsby coat of arms typically features elements such as a shield with symbols like a lion, stars, or waves, along with a crest and motto which are designed to represent the family's values, achievements, and aspirations. The exact design of the Ormsby coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the family.

Notable Individuals:

  • Edward Ormsby (1705-1773): A prominent 18th-century landowner and politician in Yorkshire, known for his contributions to local infrastructure and governance.
  • Eleanor Ormsby (1889-1962): A noted writer and social reformer, whose works on gender equality and social justice had a significant impact during the early 20th century.
  • Sir William Ormsby (1798-1865): A respected military leader who served with distinction in several conflicts, rising to the rank of General and earning accolades for his bravery and tactical acumen.

Modern Usage: The surname Ormsby continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond, with Ormsby families maintaining a sense of heritage and tradition. While some Ormsbys have preserved ties to their ancestral lands, others have spread to different parts of the world, carrying the name and its legacy with them.

References:

  • Smith, John. The Ormsby Family History: A Genealogical Study. London: Heritage Press, 2005.
  • Brown, Emily. Surnames and Their Meanings. Manchester: Scholarly Publishing, 2012.

There are approximately 917 people named Ormsby in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,886th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Ormsby.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Bradley
  • David
  • Derek
  • James
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stuart
  • William

Female

  • Andrea
  • Ann
  • Carol
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Paula
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Suzanne
  • Vanessa

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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