Contents [hide]

Norman History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Citations

Norman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England-Alt
England
Germany
Scotland
Ireland

The Norman surname is ultimately derived from the Scandinavian word "noromenn," meaning "men from the north." It came to Britain with pre-Conquest Scandinavian settlers, and became a personal name among the Saxons. This name also came to Britain following the Norman conquest; in this instance, it was most likely a name for someone from the town of Normanville in the French province of Normandy. 1 2

They claim descent from "a branch of Basset of Normandy, descended from Hugh Fitz Osmond, who held in capite in Hants in 1086. From him came the barons of Normanville, a younger branch of whom held the barony till about 1500." 3

"Gerold de Nonnanville was a benefactor of Battle Abbey : his grant of 'Bocestepe ' was confirmed by Henry I. ; and in one of the charters of Henry, third Earl of Ewe, he is styled Dapifer mews. Norman de Normanville, according to the Liber Niger, was a Baron of Sussex in 1165. 'Not long after the Conquest, the Normanvilles held the towns of Empingham and Normanton in the county of Rutland. A Family of eminent note in those days for military affairs ; for I find that about the latter end of King John's reign Ralf de Nonnanville was sent by the King with forces to the defence of Kenilworth Castle against the rebellious barons ; and paid sixty marks, one Dextrarium (horse for the great saddle) and Palfrey for having the Farm of the Co. and Free Warren at Empingham. In 5 Henry III. the King ordered Henry de Nevill to deliver from Clive Forest six Oaks and six Furchias for the building of a certain Hall by him design'd to be built at Empingham. " 4

Early Origins of the Norman family

The surname Norman was first found in Suffolk, where a record from the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds, shows a bearer of "Noroman" in 1066-70. The Domesday Book shows several bearers of the name in England in 1086. 5

However, there are several places named Normanby throughout Britain as literally the place name means "farmstead or village of the Northmen or Norwegian Vikings." 6

The parish of Merton in Surrey has an early record of the family. "In 1115, a convent built of wood, for Canons regular of the order of St. Augustine, was founded here by Gilbert Norman, sheriff of Surrey; and Henry I., in 1121, granted to the community a charter of incorporation and the manor of Merton." 7

As early as 1234 this surname distinguished themselves and early records show John Norman was Sheriff of the City of London in 1234 and later elected Lord Mayor in 1250. 8

Early History of the Norman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Norman research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1171, 1195, 1216, 1220, 1468, 1523, 1622, 1637, 1638, 1652, 1664, 1668, 1669, 1706 and 1730 are included under the topic Early Norman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Norman Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Norman, Normanby, Normanville, Normand and others.

Early Notables of the Norman family

Notable among the family at this time was

John Norman (died 1468), a draper, sheriff, alderman and for a term the Lord Mayor of London. He was the first lord mayor to take a boat to Westminster to pledge his allegiance. He became abbot of the...
John Norman (1622-1669), English Presbyterian divine was son of Abraham Norman of Trusham, Devonshire, and matriculated on 16 March 1637-1638 from Exeter College, Oxford, where he was servitor to the...

Norman World Ranking

In the United States, the name Norman is the 396^th most popular surname with an estimated 69,636 people with that name. 9 However, in Canada, the name Norman is ranked the 714^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,470 people with that name. 10 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Norman is the 105^th popular surname with an estimated 319 people with that name. 11 Australia ranks Norman as 365^th with 9,933 people. 12 New Zealand ranks Norman as 433^rd with 1,551 people. 13 The United Kingdom ranks Norman as 294^th with 20,635 people. 14

Migration of the Norman family to Ireland

Some of the Norman 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.

Norman migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Norman Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Richard Norman, who landed in New England in 1623 15
Austice Norman, who landed in Virginia in 1634 15
Hen Norman, who arrived in Virginia in 1634 15
Peter Norman, who landed in Virginia in 1634 15
Jo Norman, aged 19, who arrived in Bermuda, (Somers Islands) in 1635 aboard the ship "Truelove" 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Norman Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Eliza Norman, who landed in Virginia in 1701 15
Rachel Norman, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 15
Rachel] Norman, who landed in Virginia in 1704 15
Caleb Norman, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1712 15
Joshua Norman, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1712 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Norman Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Joseph Norman, aged 27, who landed in Georgia in 1812 15
William Norman, who arrived in New York in 1822 15
Nels C Norman, aged 22, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1833 15
Abraham Norman, who landed in New York in 1835 15
Eleonora Gustava Norman, who arrived in New York in 1860 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Norman migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Norman Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

James and William Norman were descended from a family who settled in Brigus, Newfoundland in 1714 16
Robert Norman, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
Sarah Norman, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Robert Norman, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Henry Norman was a merchant of St. John's, Newfoundland in 1765 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Norman Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Daniel Norman, who settled in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland in 1802 16
Gregory Norman, who settled in Belle Isle, Newfoundland in 1813 16
William Norman was a planter of Bareneed, Newfoundland in 1826 16
John Norman was married in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1832 16
Joseph Norman, who settled in Greenspond, Newfoundland in 1838 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Norman Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

A Norman, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
Christina Norman, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Norman migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Norman Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. William Norman, (b. 1795), aged 20, English labourer who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
Mr. John Norman, (Smith), (b. 1802), aged 17, English convict who was convicted in Lindsey (Parts of Lindsey), Lincolnshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Asiatic" on 5th June 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
Thomas Norman, English convict from Essex, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on April 1st, 1822, settling in New South Wales, Australia 19
James Norman, English convict from Bedford, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on July 29th, 1823, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 20
Richard Norman, English convict from Bedford, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on July 29th, 1823, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 20
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Norman migration to New Zealand +

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:

Norman Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

E. Norman, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Brougham" in 1842
Mr. Peter Norman, (b. 1819), aged 22, British tailor travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 21
Mrs. Mary Ann Norman, (b. 1824), aged 17, British settler travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 21
Mr. Norman, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Tuscan" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 28th September 1842 21
Hector Norman, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Lord Burleigh" in 1856
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Norman migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 22

Norman Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Samuel] Norman, aged 21, who landed in Barbados in 1683 15

Contemporary Notables of the name Norman (post 1700) +

Jessye Norman (1945-2019), American three-time Grammy award winning opera singer (soprano)
H. Wayne Norman Jr. (1955-2018), American attorney and politician, Member of the Maryland Senate (2015-2018)
Alen VonShea "Shea" Norman (1971-2017), American gospel musician
Fred Norman (b. 1942), American baseball player
Marsha Norman (b. 1947), American playwright, screenwriter, and novelist awarded the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Wilbur H Norman, American namesake of the town of Normanville, Texas, he ran a sawmill in the area about 1899
Mrs. David Norman, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Minnesota, 1964 23
Dave Norman, American Republican politician, Candidate for Texas State House of Representatives 23rd District, 1996, 1998; Candidate in primary for Texas State Senate 11th District, 2012 23
Clarence Norman Jr. (b. 1951), American Democratic Party politician, Member of New York State Assembly 43rd District, 1983-; Delegate to Democratic National Convention from New York, 1996, 2000, 2004 23
Charles S. Norman, American politician, Prohibition Candidate for Connecticut State House of Representatives from New Britain, 1904 23
... (Another 60 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Norman family +

Empress of Ireland

Mr. Frank S. Norman, British Musician from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 24

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Charles George James Norman (1914-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Edwardstown, South Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 25
Mr. Frederick William Norman (1916-1941), Australian Leading Seaman from South Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 25

HMS Hood

Mr. Christopher J B Norman (b. 1922), Canadian Midshipman serving for the Royal Canadian Navy from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 26

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Norman, British Commander from Bradford, England, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 27

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Arthur William Norman, English Fireman from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 28
Mr. Jasper Norman, American 3rd Class passenger from Rochester, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 29
Mr. Robert Norman, American 2nd Class passenger from New York, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 29

RMS Titanic

Mr. Robert Douglas Norman (d. 1912), aged 28, Scottish Second Class passenger from Glasgow, Scotland who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking and was recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett 30

SS Southern Cross

Mr. William Norman (1875-1914), Newfoundlander from Cupids who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found
Mr. Chesley Norman (1891-1914), Newfoundlander from Catalina who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 2 of 3
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1822 with 190 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1822
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1823 with 151 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1823
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 11) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html