Forkan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

Forkan is a name that dates far back into the mists of early British history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is derived from the Old English personal name which means son of Goldwin, which literally means friend of gold. 1

Early Origins of the Forkan family

The surname Forkan was first found in Essex where the family date back to the Domesday Book of 1086. At that time, it was listed as Goldinc. 2 Over two hundred years later, Golding Aldred was listed c. 1224. William, Richard Golding were both listed in the Assize Rolls for Lincolnshire in 1202 and later in the Curia Regis Rolls for Cheshire in 1210. William Gulding was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1327. 3

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included listings for the name as a forename and surname: Golding Palmarius, Kent; Hilde Golden, Cambridgeshire; Nicholas Goldin, Oxfordshire; Thomas Goldine, Oxfordshire; and Hugo Golding, Suffolk.

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls included: Willelmus Goldyng; Robertus Goldyng, pelliparius; and Isabella Goldyng, Howdenshire. 4

In Scotland "the rashness of a Scots soldier, Ralph Golding, at the bridge of Rokesburgh in 1333 led to Sir Andrew Moray of Bothwell, the Regent, being taken prisoner by the English." 5

Early History of the Forkan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Forkan research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1316, 1325, 1536, 1547, 1549, 1563, 1576, 1577, 1579, 1580, 1584, 1585, 1595, 1605, 1672 and 1707 are included under the topic Early Forkan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Forkan Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Forkan are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Forkan include: Goulding, Golding and others.

Early Notables of the Forkan family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Arthur Golding (c.1536-c.1605), an English translator of more than 30 works from Latin into English, most famous for his translation of Caesar's Commentaries. He was younger son of John Golding, Esq., of Belchamp St. Paul and Halsted, Essex, by his second wife. His father was one of the auditors of the exchequer, and died 28 Nov. 1547. In 1549 he was in the service of Protector Somerset, who wrote, 5 Oct., requesting him to solicit the aid of the Earl of Oxford's servants in...
Another 92 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Forkan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Forkan family to Ireland

Some of the Forkan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Forkan family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Forkan or a variant listed above: George Goulding settled in Virginia in 1607 12 years before the "Mayflower"; Jane and Mary Goulding settled in Virginia in 1650; Thomas, William Goulding settled in Virginia in 1623.

Citations +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)