The
D'Arcy Name
The English surname D'Arcy is
local in its origin, being one of those surnames derived from the
place where a man once lived or where he once held land. In this
case, the name refers to the town of Arcy in La Manche in Normandy,
a northern provence in France. Thus, the original bearer of the name
was a native of this area and was simply know as "D'Arcy" - "from
Arcy". It was a common pratice in the middle ages to associate a man
with the name of the town from which he hailed, and to use this
place name in refering to him. Hereditary, family surnames as we
know them today did not exist at that time.
Early records of the name in England date back to the
eleventh century. One Norman de Adreci is recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1086. The local
origins of the name can clearly be seen from this early example of the name. Thomas D'Arcy
is mentioned in the "Transcripts of Charters relating to the Gilbertine Houses"
of Lincolnshire.
The name was introduced into the United States of America
by English and French settlers, but remains a relatively uncommon name in that country.
One notable bearer of this name was Count Patrick D'Arcy, a native of Ireland, who had a
distinguished career in the French army and was a well-known engineer and matematician.
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Blazon of Arms |
Azure, semee of cross crosslets and
three cinquefoils argent |
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Translation |
The cross has long been associated
symbolically with the Christian faith and the love of God for Sinful man. The cinquefoil,
or five-leaved grass, signifies perpetuity, or that the Just Man will never wither. |
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Crest |
A demi-woman, hair flowing proper,
vested gules, holding in the dexter hand three red roses slipped and leaved vert. |
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Translation |
The red rose signifies Beauty and
Grace, and is regarded as the first amongst flowers. |
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Motto |
Un Dieu, un roi |
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Translation |
One God, one King |
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Origin |
England |
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