First found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say they were descended from the ancient Baron Scrope of Bolton, who it was said in 1385 "was the best knight of the whole county at jousts and tournaments."

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More about the Sunderland 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)

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the oppurtunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Sunderland or a variant listed above: Samuel and Nathaniel Sunderland who settled in Virginia in 1663; Mary Sunderland settled in Maryland in 1750; Frances Sunderland settled in Maryland in 1719.

Motto Translated: Foremost if I can.

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