Sarasin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France

Etymology of Sarasin

What does the name Sarasin mean?

The Sarasin surname is derived from the Old French word "Sarrazin," meaning "Saracen." It is thought to have been a nickname in Medieval England for someone of swarthy appearance, or for someone returned from the Crusades, before becoming a surname.

Early Origins of the Sarasin family

The surname Sarasin was first found in Cumberland where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held estates in that county.

Early History of the Sarasin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sarasin research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1285, 1327, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Sarasin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sarasin Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Sarasin have been found, including Sarson, Sarsen, Saracen, Sarason, Sareson and many more.

Early Notables of the Sarasin family

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

Sarasin migration to the United States +

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Sarasin, or a variant listed above:

Sarasin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Josefine Sarasin, aged 20, settled in Texas in 1848 aboard the ship "John Holland"
Louis Sarasin, aged 22, settled in Texas in 1848 aboard the ship "John Holland"

Contemporary Notables of the name Sarasin (post 1700) +

Ronald Arthur Sarasin (1934-2023), American lawyer, Navy veteran, and politician, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1973-1979)
Pong Sarasin (1927-2021), Thai businessman and a politician, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand (1988-1990)