First found in Yorkshire, where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

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More about the Mar 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)

Faced by this persecution and the generally unstable political climate of those days, many Scots chose to leave their homeland for Ireland, Australia, and North America in search of greater opportunity and freedom. The colonies across the Atlantic were the most popular choice, but a passage there was neither cheap nor easily suffered. Passengers arrived sick and poor, but those who made it intact often found land and more tolerant societies in which to live. These brave settlers formed the backbone of the burgeoning nations of Canada and the United States. It is only this century that the ancestors of these families have begun to recover their collective identity through the patriotic highland games and clan societies that have sprung up throughout North America. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Mar: Alexander Marr who settled in Maryland in 1747; Christopher Marr settled in Virginia in 1715; James Marr settled in Virginia in 1774; George, Jacob, John, Peter and Thomas Marr arrived in Pennsylvania between 1800 and 1870.

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