Show ContentsMorck History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Morck. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of barbarian tribes. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known in Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Morck family.

Early Origins of the Morck family

The surname Morck was first found in Prussia, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times.

The famous German noble Merck family rose to fame in Hammelburg, Bavaria in the 15th century. This family had a long history in pharmacy going back to the 17th century and it is from this branch that the famous pharmaceutical Merck Group was established in 1668.

Early History of the Morck family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Morck research. Another 203 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1361, 1397, 1398, 1399, 1400, 1408, 1409, 1485, 1559, 1621, 1668, 1678, 1724, 1786, 1807 and 1819 are included under the topic Early Morck History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Morck Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Morck include Mark, Marck, Marcker, Marckert, Marquart, Marquard, Marque, Markert, Marker, Marcart, Marcard, Marquart, Marquard and many more.

Early Notables of the Morck family

Notable figures of the time with the name Morck were Thomas Merke (Merks) (died 1409), an English priest and Bishop of Carlisle (1397-1400), Educated at Oxford University, be became a Benedictine monk at Westminster Abbey, consecrated bishop about 1397, served Richard II as ambassador to various German princes in 1397, one of the commissioners who negotiated the dowry of Isabella of Valois in 1398, and accompanied the king to Ireland in 1399, supported Richard against the usurper Henry IV and in 1400 was imprisoned in the Tower of London and deprived of his bishopric as a result...
Another 96 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Morck Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Morck migration to the United States +

Much of German history has been shaped by the state of Prussia. It was an enduring military power until after the Second World War. At that time, the state was abolished altogether and its land divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. While some Prussians were content to remain in those countries, others moved away, many of them migrating to North America. They entered the United States mostly through Philadelphia, moving on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others went to Canada, settling on the prairies and in the province of Ontario. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were:

Morck Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Miss Ferline Morck, aged 17, German settler who arrived in New York in 1893 aboard the ship "Dania" 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Morck (post 1700) +

  • William A. Morck, American politician, Mayor of Oil City, Pennsylvania, 1953-55 2


The Morck 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: Fortitudine et fidelitate
Motto Translation: By fortitude and fidelity.


  1. Germans to America retrieved 21st October 2021. Retrieved from Glazier, Ira. A., and Filby, P. William. Germans to America: Lists of Passengers Arriving at U.S. Ports. Vol. 62, Scholarly Resources Inc, 2100
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 19) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


Houseofnames.com on Facebook