Show ContentsAlessend History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Alessend has a rich and ancient history that is specifically connected to the northern region of Normandy. It is a French name that was originally derived from the ancient Greek given name Alexandros.

Early Origins of the Alessend family

The surname Alessend was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where the family have held a family seat since ancient times.

Early History of the Alessend family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Alessend research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1653 and 1734 are included under the topic Early Alessend History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Alessend Spelling Variations

French surnames were subject to numerous alterations in spelling because of the various cultural groups that inhabited specific regions. Eventually, each region possessed its own local dialect of the French language. The early development of the French language, however, was also influenced by other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Alessend is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Alexandre, Alexande, Alexand, Alexendre, Alexende, Alexend, Alessandre, Alessande, Alessand, Alessendre, Alessende, Alessend, Alex, Alesse and many more.

Early Notables of the Alessend family

More information is included under the topic Early Alessend Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Alessend family

By 1643 there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Since immigration was slow, early marriage was desperately encouraged amongst the immigrants. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. 15,000 explorers left Montreal in the late 17th and 18th centuries. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the Acadian presence in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had reached 500. In 1755, 10,000 French Acadians refused to take an oath of allegiance to England and were deported to Louisiana. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The distinguished family name Alessend has made significant contributions to the culture, arts, sciences and religion of France and New France. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Alessend were Alexis Alexandre married Marie-Madeleine Charon-Laferriè re in Québec in 1712; Jean Alexandre, son of Alexis and Marie-Anne Laferrière married Marie-Benjamin Nolin at Saint-Pierre in 1753..



The Alessend Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Partout et toujours fidele a Dieu et au Roy
Motto Translation: Everywhere and always faithful to God and the King


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