Ormond

Ormond or Ormand is an old surname, originated in Ireland and Scotland, but also occurring in Portugal (mainly Azores), Brazil, England, Wales, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The Irish surname derives from the Irish toponym Oirmhumhain 'East Munster' and was a hereditary title within the Irish aristocracy. However, the Scottish Ormonds originate from the county of Angus, where the Douglas family held the title of earl of Ormond, deriving from their ownership of Ormond Castle in Avoch, on the Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands. The Ormond surname is rumoured to have been taken up by an illegitimate son of the earl in the 15th or 16th century. The earliest Ormond in Angus to feature on the parish records is Elspit Ormond, born 1617 in Monikie, the daughter of James Ormond. There is also an Ormond family in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which is of great antiquity. It is likely that they branched off from the aforementioned Irish Ormonds, rather than having a separate origin. The National Archives hold the will of William Ormond of Pembrokeshire, which was written in 1610.