Show ContentsMarkane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The roots of the Anglo-Saxon name Markane come from when the family resided in Marsham in Norfolk, or in the place called Mersham in Kent. [1] The surname Markane belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Markane family

The surname Markane was first found in Norfolk at Marsham, a parish, in the union of Aylsham, hundred of South Erpingham. [2] The parish dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was first listed as Marsam. [3] Literally the place name means "homestead or village by a marsh," from the Old English words "mersc" + "ham." [4] Mersham is a parish, in the union of East Ashford, hundred of Chart and Longbridge, lathe of Shepway. [2] The first record of the name was Leofstan aet Merseham c. 1060 who was listed in the reference Old English Bynames. Benjamin de Merseham was listed in the Feet of Fines of Kent in 1236 and John de Marsham was listed in the Coroner Rolls of London in 1336. [1] Some of the family were found at Stratton-Strawless in Norfolk since very early times. "The Hall, a large mansion of white brick, in a well-wooded park, is the seat of R. Marsham, Esq., in whose family it has remained since the time of Edward the First." [2]

Early History of the Markane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Markane research. Another 124 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1130, 1280, 1510, 1518, 1602, 1637, 1650, 1679, 1685, 1692, 1696, 1698, 1702, 1703, 1708, 1716 and 1724 are included under the topic Early Markane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Markane Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore,spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Markane has been recorded under many different variations, including Marsham, Marshan, Marshom, Marshon, Marshman and others.

Early Notables of the Markane family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir John Marsham, 1st Baronet of Cuckston (1602-1685), an English antiquary known as a writer on chronology; Sir John Marsham, 2nd Baronet (1637-1692); Sir John Marsham, 3rd Baronet (1679-1696); Sir Robert Marsham...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Markane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Markane family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Markane or a variant listed above: Thomas Marsham, who settled in Virginia in 1654; Charles Marshom, who settled in Boston in 1768; James Marshman, a British convict, sent to Maryland in 1772.



The Markane 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: Non sibi sed patriae
Motto Translation: Not for himself, but for his country.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)


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