Motley History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe Motley surname comes from when the Motley family lived in the settlement of Medlicott in the English border county of Shropshire. The surname Motley belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Early Origins of the Motley familyThe surname Motley was first found in Shropshire, at Medlicott, a parish in Wentnor. It is generally believed that the oldest record of the family was Llewelyn de Modlicott who resided here c. 1180. He was son of Sir Roger de Meldron (died c. 1200.) By the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273, some of the family were found in Devonshire where Richard de Middlecote was listed as holding lands at that time. 1 "The ancient Shropshire family of Medlicott, which took its name from a manor, flourished in the 13th century. The Medlycott family of Ven House, Milborne Port, Somerset, originally came from Shropshire." 2 Early History of the Motley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Motley research. Another 154 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1586, 1593 and 1625 are included under the topic Early Motley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Motley Spelling VariationsAlthough there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Motley has seen various spelling variations: Medlicot, Medlicott, Medlycot, Medlycott, Medlicote, Medleycot, Medleycott, Medleycote, Modlicot, Modlicote and many more. Early Notables of the Motley familyMore information is included under the topic Early Motley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Motley RankingIn the United States, the name Motley is the 2,628th most popular surname with an estimated 12,435 people with that name. 3 Migration of the Motley family to IrelandSome of the Motley 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.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in search of land, work, and freedom. These immigrants greatly contributed to the rapid development of the new nations of Canada and the United States. They also added a rich and lasting cultural heritage to their newly adopted societies. Investigation of immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Motley: Motley Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Motley Settlers in United States in the 18th CenturyMotley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Motley Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Motley Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Motley Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
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: Dat cura quietem Motto Translation: Vigilance ensures tranquility.
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