Mansuer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The Mansuer 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 Mansuer family

The surname Mansuer 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 Mansuer family

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

Mansuer Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Mansuer has appeared include Manserg, Mansergh, Mansbergh, Manser, Mansur, Mansurg, Mansurgh and many more.

Early Notables of the Mansuer family

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

Migration of the Mansuer family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Mansuer arrived in North America very early: 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 Mansuer 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)