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Origin / History of the Lightfoot Name This unusual surname is an interesting example of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. These nicknames were given with reference to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, or habits of dress and occupation. The derivation, in this instance, is from the Olde English pre 7th century 'leoht', nimble, quick, with 'fot', foot, originally denoting someone with a light, springy step; a speedy runner, or messenger. Early examples of the surname include; William Lightfote 1273 Cambridgeshire), and Willelmus Lightfote 1379 Yorkshire. In the Norfolk ‘Towneley Plays of Caesar Augustus’, dated 1274, reference is made to the characters ‘Lyghtefote Nuncius’ and ‘John Litefot, cacher’. A notable bearer of the name was Joseph Barber Lightfoot, chaplain to Queen Victoria (1862), and bishop of Durham (1879 - 1889). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Hugh Lihtfott, which was dated 1206, in the ‘Curia Regis Rolls’ of Lincolnshire. A Coat of Arms granted to the Lightfoot family is 'a barry of six gold and red, on a
Coat of Arms / Crest A Coat of Arms granted to the Lightfoot family is a barry of six gold and red, on a bend sable, three escallops argent. The Bend or shoulder strap signifies Defence and Protection, and the Escallop or pilgrim badge symbolises Venture to foreign lands. It is not thought this Coat of Arms belongs to our Lightfoot family.
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