First found in Surrey where they held a family seat. Strangely, all the research on this name has produced little that can identify the surname with that of the county of Rutland, England's smallest and most central county. The name should also not be confused with the ancient titles of the Earl and Duke of Rutland, who were not in fact of the surname Rutland. The family name was anciently seated as Lords of the Manor of Mitcham in Surrey. At the time of the taking of the Domesday Book, a survey initiated by Duke William of Normandy in 1086 after his conquest of England at Hastings in 1066 A.D., Mitcham was recorded as being held by the Canons of Bayeux who held it from the Bishop of Bayeux. The village of Mitcham consisted of one half a mill, a rating not uncommon, and was anciently famous for being the scene of lavender fields.

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More about the Rutland 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)

Because of the political and religious discontent in England, families began to migrate abroad in enormous numbers. Faced with persecution and starvation at home, the open frontiers and generally less oppressive social environment of the New World seemed tantalizing indeed to many English people. The trip was difficult, and not all made it unscathed, but many of those who did get to Canada and the United States made important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers with Rutland name or one of its variants: Richard Rutland who settled in Virginia in 1641; Edward Rutland settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1765; Agnes Rutland settled in New York State in 1823..

Motto Translated: Reward after battle.

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