Irish Surname - Byrd / Bird
The Irish surname Bird is a variation of the English surname "Byrd" or "Bird", which is derived from the Old English word "brid" or "bird", meaning "a bird". The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who had bird-like characteristics, such as a person who was swift or nimble like a bird.
In Ireland, the Bird surname is most commonly found in the southern counties, particularly in Cork and Kerry. The name has been in use in Ireland since at least the 16th century, and was likely brought over by English settlers during the Plantation of Munster in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Famous People with surname Byrd / Bird
- Charlie Bird is an Irish journalist and broadcaster.
- Frank Bird an Irish international rugby union player who played for Ireland in the early 20th century.
- Bill Byrge is an American actor and comedian of Irish descent, known for his work in the films of director John Waters.
- Ann Byrd was an Irish singer and actress who appeared in a number of films and stage productions in the 1930s and 1940s.
- David Byrd was an Irish-American artist and illustrator who worked on album covers and posters for musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, and the Grateful Dead.
- Charlie Byrd was an American jazz guitarist of Irish and Italian descent, known for his work with the Stan Getz Quartet in the 1960s.
Variations of the surname Byrd / Bird
Byart, Birdie, Byrdie, Byrde, Birdsell, Byrdsell, Byrdsong, Birdsong, Birdsall, Birdwhistle
Byrd / Bird Coat of Arms and Motto
The Byrd or Bird family has several different coat of arms and mottos associated with it, depending on the specific branch of the family and the country in which they lived. However, one of the most commonly used coat of arms for the family features a shield with a gold background and three black birds in flight. The crest on top of the shield is a black bird with wings spread, holding a gold arrow in its beak. The motto for this coat of arms is "Avi Numerantur," which is Latin for "They are numbered among the birds.
Another commonly used coat of arms for the Byrd or Bird family features a shield divided into four quarters, with each quarter containing a different symbol. The upper left quarter contains a gold lion on a red background, while the upper right quarter contains a silver cross on a blue background. The lower left quarter features a silver swan on a red background, and the lower right quarter features a black bird on a gold background. The crest on top of the shield is a black bird with wings spread, holding a gold arrow in its beak. The motto for this coat of arms is "I Have Found It," which is a translation of the Latin phrase "Inveni."
Please Note
There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.
DNA And Your Irish Roots
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