| ![Show Contents]() Casmend History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The distinguished surname Casmend emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Casmend is derived from Mac Asmundr. This is derived from the Celtic word Mac, which means son, and the Old Norse name Asmundr, which literally means god protector. Many Scandinavian personal names were left in the British Isles as a legacy of the Viking raids which plagued the coastal regions of Britain from the 8th to 10th centuries. 1 Early Origins of the Casmend familyThe surname Casmend was first found in Glamorganshire where they had been granted lands from about the year 1550. Early History of the Casmend familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Casmend research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1640 is included under the topic Early Casmend History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Casmend Spelling VariationsFlemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Casement, Casment and others. Early Notables of the Casmend familyMore information is included under the topic Early Casmend Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Casmend family to Ireland
Some of the Casmend 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 Casmend familyThe records on immigrants and ships' passengers show a number of people bearing the name Casmend: Robert Casement who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1837; William Casement, who arrived in New York in 1854; and H. Jr. Casement, who was on a ship passenger list arriving in San Francisco in 1850..
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: Dum Spiro Spero
Motto Translation: While I have breath I hope.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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England
Ireland
