Origin of the surname Scrimshaw

Recorded in a wide variety of spellings including Scrimgeour, Scriminger, Scrymegour, Scrimger, Scriminger, Skrimshire, and Scrimshaw, this is an Anglo-Scottish surname of Old French origins. It is or rather was occupational and described a fencing master, one of the most distinguished occupations of medieval times, although not always quite so popular with the civil authorities. The derivation is from the French word "eskermir", meaning to fence or fight hand-to-hand. This was transposed to the Middle English "skrymsher" from which the surname is largely developed.

Fencing-masters always found plentiful employment in medieval times, although the keeping of fencing-schools was forbidden in the city of London because of their dangerous influence. Early examples of the surname include: William Lescermissur of Suffolk in 1180, and Symon Leskirmisur of Essex in 1221. The family of Scrymegour held the position of hereditary standard-bearers of Scotland for at least three centuries, and for his services in this office, Sir Alexander Schyrmeschur was granted lands in Forfar in 1298, and later became Constable of the Castle of Dundee. Sir James Scrymgeour, a favourite of James V1, succeeded to the hereditary offices of standard-bearer in 1576, whilst John Scrymgeour, was created Earl of Dundee in 1660. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richer le Schirmissur, which was dated 1154, in the charter known as the "Documents relating to the Danelaw", for Lincolnshire. This was during the reign of King Henry 11, known as "The Builder of Churches", 1154 - 1189. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Scrimshaw. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Research into the possible origins of scrimshaw leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname scrimshaw is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of scrimshaw.

The surname Scrimshaw around the world

There is a considerable probability that scrimshaw has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where scrimshaw is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname scrimshaw provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.

History of Scrimshaw

The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named scrimshaw are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname scrimshaw, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of scrimshaw developed. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname scrimshaw.

It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of scrimshaw could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about scrimshaw and send it to us, we will update it on this website.

Notable Figures Named Scrimshaw

We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname scrimshaw, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname scrimshaw were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. If you or someone you know bears the surname scrimshaw, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname scrimshaw who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Scrimshaw and its bibliographic sources

The bibliography collects information related to the surname scrimshaw, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of scrimshaw are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of scrimshaw.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of scrimshaw, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Scrimshaw