Family Folklore

Our family folklore always held that the name was Norse in origin and came to Wales with the Viking raids in the 9th or 10th century. They cite the name of an island off Pembrokeshire (Skomer) as evidence of this.

For more family folklore visit the family folklore section of the archive pages.

Surname Reference Books

Being an unusual name, Skyrme is not listed in most surname books. One, however, lists the name

as being derived from the medieval French eskirmer, a fencing master.

Naturally the wife of the author, whose family name is Perrett and is therefore of ancient French lineage, and who did herself take up fencing before we married, believes that this is the true origin of the name Skyrme. The reference book gives alternative spellings of Skirme as Skrimshire, Skermer, Skirmer, Skirme. The origin of the name Scrivener is also similar.

Which View is Correct?

So the question is - is Skyrme of French origin related to Skermer, Skirme et. al. or is it of Scandiniavian origin?

The family folklore (vs. the official surnames book) is partly corroborated by the RPSD Geneaology page about the name Skyrme. It mentions two brothers from Scandinavia coming via the Isle of Skye (Skye-man) and settling in Hereford in 8th - 10th century. Personally, I would have though it easier to sail from Skye to Pembroke direct rather than via Hereford. Certainly, there is strong evidence that the Pembrokeshire branch started after a Thomas Skirme moved from Herefordshire (Lugwardine) to become an attorney in Pembroke in the mid-1600s. On balance, it does seem that family folklore suggesting a Scandinavian origin is better than authoritative 'surname books'. Fascinating stuff....

Perhaps DNA research can give us better insights?

... On the other hand, it may be something we shall never know with certainty.