Show ContentsMassingham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Massingham family

The surname Massingham was first found in Lincolnshire where the family claim decent from Lambert Massyngberd of Soterton, now Sutterton who lived in the reign of Edward I. 1

Early History of the Massingham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Massingham research. Another 154 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1012 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Massingham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Massingham Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Massingberd, Massingham, Massingberg, Massingburgh and many more.

Early Notables of the Massingham family

More information is included under the topic Early Massingham Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Massingham family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: William Massingburd settled in Virginia in 1635; R. Massenburg arrived in New Orleans in 1822.


Contemporary Notables of the name Massingham (post 1700) +

  • Harold W. Massingham (1932-2011), English poet, son of H. W. Massingham
  • Henry William "H.W." Massingham (1860-1924), English journalist, editor of The Nation from 1907 to 1923
  • John Dudley Massingham CMG (1930-2009), British diplomat, Governor of Saint Helena from 1981 to 1984, British High Commissioner to Guyana from 1986 to 1987
  • Dorothy Massingham (1889-1933), British actress and playwright, daughter of the journalist H. W. Massingham
  • Richard Massingham (1898-1953), British medical physician from Sleaford, Lincolnshire, known principally for starring in public information films made in the 1940s and early 1950s
  • Harold John "H.J." Massingham (1888-1952), British prolific writer on ruralism, matters to do with the countryside and agriculture, son of the journalist H. W. Massingham


The Massingham Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Est meruisse satis
Motto Translation: It is sufficient to have deserved.


  1. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.


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