The Welsh surname Protheroe is Patronymic in origin, being one of those surnames based on the first name of a father. In this instance, the surname means simply   "Son of Riderch". The name is ultimately derived from the Welsh "ap-Riderch" meaning "Reddish Brown", indicating that the original bearer of the name was probably descended from someone who had brown hair or a brown complexion. One of the Northern British Rulers of the sixth century was called "Rhydderch".
The etymological development of the surname is evident from the early references to the surname. An early instance of the surname from it's original form includes Evan Prhydderch from Carnarvon who appears in the "Register for the University of Oxford" in 1617. He was the son of Roderic Evans of Llanor, Carnarvon and after the welsh custom became Evan Ap-Roderic or Prhydderch. One William Protherugh or Protherough was also recorded in the same source in 1580-81 and this supplies the stages by which Prothero was reached. Another early instance of the surname includes Rowland Prothero alias Prytherch who was mentioned in the "Forty First Annual Report  of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records" in 1725. There are three instances of the surname in the "Condon Commercial and Court Directory" of 1870. A notable bearer of the surname includes Rowland Edmund Prothero {1851-1937}, the British agriculturist, editor and writer who was the President of the Board of Agriculture {1916-19}. Variants of the surname include :                                                              Protheroe - Prydderch - Prytherch and Pretheroe.

Blazon of Arms : Cheque azure and or, an annulet gules.
Translation       : The annulet denotes Loyalty and Fidelity.
Crest                 : A bird flying purpure.
Motto               : Deus Pascit Corvos
Translation       : God Feeds The Ravens

HISTORY OF FAMILY NAME

FAMILY CREST