Mansburgh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The Mansburgh surname is generally thought to have come from the male personal name Manasseh, which is ultimately from the Hebrew Menashe meaning "one who causes to forget." Some instances of the surname may have occupational roots, coming from Anglo-Norman French word "mance," meaning "handle," and used as a name for someone who made handles for tools or implements. 1

Early Origins of the Mansburgh family

The surname Mansburgh was first found in Westmorland at Mansergh, a chapelry, in the parish of KirkbyLonsdale, union of Kendal, Lonsdale ward. 2 Some of the first records of the family include Thomas de Mansergh, temp. 12 Edward II., and John de Mansergh, 7 Richard II. 3

Many years later, The Lancashire Wills at Richmond list: Thomas Manser, or Mansergh, of Burton, 1580; George Mansergh, 1573 and Elizabeth Manzer, of Barwicke, 1608. As a personal name the first listings were Manasserus de Danmartin who was listed in Suffolk in 1166; Maserus filius Joi who was found in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1186; and Maneserus Judeus, also listed in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1191. 1

"There can be little doubt that this must be the Hebrew Manasseh 'one who causes to forget,' used undoubtedly of Jews." 1 Walter Manser was listed in the Liber Feodorum in Suffolk in 1250 and Alan Mauncer was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1296. Later John Maunser was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Essex in 1327. "The Domesday Book tenant-in-chief Manasses was presumably a Norman." 1 The name continued to flourish in Normandy after the Conquest as evidenced by Richard Manesier who was listed there in 1198. 4

Early History of the Mansburgh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mansburgh research. Another 168 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1177, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1552 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Mansburgh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mansburgh Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Mansburgh have been found, including Manserg, Mansergh, Mansbergh, Manser, Mansur, Mansurg, Mansurgh and many more.

Early Notables of the Mansburgh family

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

Migration of the Mansburgh family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Mansburgh, or a variant listed above: Tho Manser, who came to Virginia in 1653; John Manser, who came to Maryland in 1680; Allen Manser, who arrived in America in 1745; James Manser, who was deported to America in 1761.

The Mansburgh 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: Dum spiro spero
Motto Translation: While I have breath I have hope.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)