First found in Devon where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say long before the Norman Conquest in 1066.

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More about the Calvin History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

For political, religious, and economic reasons, thousands of English families boarded ships for Ireland, the Canadas, the America colonies, and many of smaller tropical colonies in the hope of finding better lives abroad. Although the passage on the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving, those families that survived the trip often went on to make valuable contributions to those new societies to which they arrived. Early immigrants bearing the Calvin surname or a spelling variation of the name include : William Colvin who settled in Maryland in 1714; Hugh Colvin settled in Pennsylvania in 1773; followed by Charles, James, Jane, John, Robert and William Colvin, all settled in Pennsylvania between 1811 and 1856.

Motto Translated: Under this sign thou shall conquer.

For more information on the last name Calvin, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.