Mofield History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Early Origins of the Mofield family

The surname Mofield was first found in Cumberland where the family name was first referenced in the year 1154 when Peter Morville was recorded with estates. 1

They were originally from Morville, arr Valognes in the canton of Briquebec in Normandy. 2 Another early record of the family was found in the royal burgh of Lauder in Berwickshire. This parish was "granted in the early part of the 12th century, by David I., to Hugh de Moreville, constable of Scotland. De Moreville gave the lands of Thirlstane, in the parish, to one of his kinsmen, whose grand-daughter conveyed them by marriage to Sir Richard Maitland, ancestor of the present Earl of Lauderdale, now the principal proprietor of the parish." 3

Another source digs further into Hugh de Morville (Moreville): "the barton of Morvale or Morville, [in the parish of Morvall, Cornwall] which was connected with the manor, gave its name to an ancient family thence denominated De Morville; from whom, according to tradition, sprang Hugh de Morville, knight, who was one of the murderers of Thomas a Becket. How long the property continued in this ancient, but now forgotten family, we have no means of knowing. At a very early period it belonged to the Glynns, with whom it continued for many generations." 4 Contrary to this quote, the family is not forgotten.

Some of the family were anciently found in Modbury, Devon as the manor of "Brownston was granted by Adam de Morville to the Abbey of Buckfastleigh. " 5 Unfortunately, no date was given wit this entry.

Early History of the Mofield family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mofield research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Mofield History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mofield Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Moorfield, Morefield, Mirefield, Moreville, Moorville, Morville, Morfield, Myrfield, Monfode, Nontfoyde and many more.

Early Notables of the Mofield family

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

Migration of the Mofield family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Morefield, who settled in Hingham, MA sometime between 1620 and 1650; John Morfield, who came to Boston in 1638; Joseph Morefield, who came to London, England in 1720.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital