Show ContentsLamken History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Lamken family

The surname Lamken was first found in Northumberland, where Lambekyn Flandrensis was registered in 1178 after migrating from Flanders. Later, Lamekin filius Beatricis was registered in the Pipe Rolls of Berkshire in 1188, Nicholas Lambekyn in the Subsidy Rolls for Yorkshire in 1301 and John Lamkyn in Colchester in 1379. [1]

By the 13th century the family had branched to London, with Lambekin de Lamburne and Lambekin de Carsell registered there in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. [2]

Early History of the Lamken family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lamken research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1301, 1370, 1379, 1608 and 1643 are included under the topic Early Lamken History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lamken Spelling Variations

Flemish 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 Lambkin, Lampkin, Lambking, Lamkin, Lamekin, Lambekin, Lambekyn, Lambkyn, Lamkyn, Lambekynus and many more.

Early Notables of the Lamken family

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

Migration of the Lamken family

Discovered in the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Lamken: Martha Lambkin, who sailed to Virginia in 1638; David Lampkin to Virginia in 1654; John Lamkin to Philadelphia in 1808; S. Lamkin to San Francisco in 1850.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook