When the ancestors of the Merris family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Norfolk. Their name, however, is a reference to the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Meret, Normandy.
Loading...
Early Origins of the Merris family
The surname Merris was first found in Norfolk. However, some of the family were found at Stow-Maries in Essex. "This parish takes the adjunct to its name from the family of Marey, to whom the lands at one time belonged." 1
Loading...
Early History of the Merris family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merris research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1605, 1660 and 1682 are included under the topic Early Merris History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Merris Spelling Variations
The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Merris has been recorded under many different variations, including Merry, Mirrey, Merrie, Mirrie and others.
Loading...
Early Notables of the Merris family
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Merris Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Merris family to Ireland
Some of the Merris family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Migration of the Merris family
To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Merriss were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Savage Merrie settled in Virginia in 1637; John Merrie settled in St. Christopher in 1633; John Merry later moved to Virginia in 1643; Thomas Merry settled in Virginia in 1654.
Contemporary Notables of the name Merris (post 1700)
+
David Andrew "Dave" Merris (b. 1980), English semi-professional footballer
England
Ireland
