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Show ContentsMarks History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The distinguished Austrian surname Marks is a proud sign of a rich and ancient ancestry. Austria, which was originally home to a Celtic people, was conquered by the Roman Empire in about 15 BC. Following the fall of Rome, Austria was repeatedly invaded by barbarian tribes, such as the Vandals, Visigoths, and Huns, who swept in from the east. During the 5th and 6th centuries, the Alemanni, Avars and Slavs settled Austria. The Avars were defeated in 785 by the Frankish emperor Charlemagne, who set up the East Mark, which later became known as the Österreich. Austria was ruled by the Babenburger dynasty until 1278, when they were succeeded by the Hapsburg dynasty, which ruled Austria until the 20th century.

Early Origins of the Marks family

The surname Marks was first found in Austria, where the name could be considered to have made a great contribution to the feudal society which became the backbone of modern Europe. The name became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses which played important roles in the local and national conflicts, with each group seeking power and status in an ever changing territorial profile.

Early History of the Marks family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Marks research. Another 102 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1818, 1863, 1875, 1881, 1883, 1921 and 1923 are included under the topic Early Marks History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Marks Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Marks include Marx, Marks, Marcks, Markus, Marcus, Marxen and many more.

Early Notables of the Marks family

During this period prominent bearers of the name Marks were Karl Heinrich Marx (1818-1883) of Trier, who was one of the most profoundly influential thinkers of...
Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Marks Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Marks World Ranking

In the United States, the name Marks is the 647th most popular surname with an estimated 44,766 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Marks is ranked the 507th most popular surname with an estimated 7,495 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Marks is the 823rd popular surname with an estimated 889 people with that name. 3 The United Kingdom ranks Marks as 684th with 9,703 people. 4

United States Marks migration to the United States +

After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Marks were

Marks Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Walgrave Marks, who landed in Virginia in 1624-1625 5
  • Richard Marks, aged 19, who landed in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Merchant's Hope" 5
  • Brice Marks, who arrived in Virginia in 1638 5
Marks Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Joseph Marks, who landed in New York in 1709 5
  • Ann Marks, who landed in Georgia in 1738 5
  • Hugh Marks, who landed in Georgia in 1738 5
  • William Marks, aged 37, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1740 5
  • George Marks, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1761 5
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Marks Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • John Marks, aged 30, who arrived in New York in 1812 5
  • Robert Marks, aged 27, who arrived in New York in 1812 5
  • James Marks, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1833 5
  • Mathias D Marks, who landed in Mississippi in 1843 5
  • Wilhelm Marks, aged 31, who arrived in New York, NY in 1847 5
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Marks Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. William Henry Marks, (b. 1877), aged 26, English miner travelling aboard the ship "St Paul" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 26th April 1903 en route to Coalville, Utah, USA 6
  • Mr. Peter Marks, (b. 1882), aged 22, Cornish quarryman, from Redruth, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 21st August 1904 en route to Stony Creek, Pennsylvania, USA 6
  • Mr. Phillip Marks, (b. 1877), aged 28, Cornish miner, from St Austell, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "St Paul" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Houghton, Michigan, USA 6

Canada Marks migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Marks Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. John Marks U.E. who settled in Parr Town, Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 7
  • Mr. John Lawrence Marks U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 7
  • Mr. Nehemiah Marks U.E. (b. 1747) born in Derby, Connecticut, USA who settled in St. Stephen, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 member of the Port Matoon Association and Penobscot Association, he died in 1799 7
  • Mr. William Marks U.E. who settled in Parr Town, Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 7

Australia Marks migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Marks Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Mr. William Marks, Cornish settler convicted in Cornwall, UK on 6th August 1787, sentenced for 14 years for stealing a watch from a house, transported Neptuneon 19th January 1790 to New South Wales, Australia 8
Marks Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Joseph Marks, (b. 1801), aged 18, English labourer who was convicted in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England for 14 years for highway robbery, transported aboard the "Asiatic" on 5th June 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 9
  • Philip Marks, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on July 29th, 1823, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 10
  • William Marks, English convict from Sussex, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on October 22nd, 1824, settling in New South Wales, Australia 11
  • Mr. John Marks, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Florentia" on 14th August 1827, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
  • Mr. William Marks, English convict who was convicted in Kent, England for life, transported aboard the "Emperor Alexander"on 6th April 1833, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Marks migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Marks Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Morris Marks, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • Catherine Marks, aged 30, a servant, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "London" in 1840
  • Mr. David Marks, British settler travelling from Portsmouth aboard the ship "Duke of Portland" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 13th October 1851 14
  • Mrs. Hannah Marks, British settler travelling from Portsmouth aboard the ship "Duke of Portland" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 13th October 1851 14
  • Mr. William Marks, British settler travelling from Portsmouth aboard the ship "Duke of Portland" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 13th October 1851 14
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Marks (post 1700) +

  • Michael Marks (1859-1907), British businessman, co-founder of the retail chain Marks & Spencer in 1884
  • Arthur Ronald Marks (1927-2019), American film and television director, writer, producer and distributor
  • Brigadier-General Edwin Hall Marks (1887-1967), American Commanding General Fort Belvoir, Virginia (1941-1942) 15
  • Laurence Marks (1915-1993), American writer for radio and television shows including M*A*S*H
  • John Henry Marks (1925-2022), British physician from Hackney, London, Chairman of the British Medical Association (1984 to 1990)
  • Frederick Marks (1949-2021), English actor and musician, best known for being part of the musical trio Rod, Jane and Freddy
  • Ms. Alexandra Louise Marks C.B.E., British Crown Court Recorder for Criminal Cases Review Commissioner for the Judicial Appointments Commissioner and Chair for Prisoners’ Education Trust was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire on 17th June 2017, for public service
  • Simon Marks (1888-1964), 1st Baron Marks of Broughton, an English businessman
  • Kenneth Marks (1920-1988), British politician, Member of Parliament for Manchester Gorton (1967–1983)
  • John M.P. Marks (b. 1952), Australian former professional tennis player; he defeated Arthur Ashe in the 1978 Australian Open to finish as runner-up in singles, seven-time doubles winner
  • ... (Another 8 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mrs. Marion Marks (1874-1914), née Alexander British First Class Passenger returning from Suva, Fiji who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 16
  • Mr. Gabriel Marks (1871-1914), British First Class Passenger returning from Suva, Fiji who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 16
Halifax Explosion
  • Mr. Martin Gay  Marks (1862-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 17
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Frederick J Marks, British Musician, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 18
Monongah Mine
  • Mr. Ross Marks, Italian coal miner who was in mine 6 at the Monongah mine on 6th December 1907 when it exploded and collapsed; he died 19
Mount Mulligan Mine
  • Percy Marks, Australian coal miner who was killed in the Mount Mulligan Mine explosion in 1921
RMS Lusitania
  • Miss Georgina Marks, English 3rd Class passenger from Bristol, England, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 20
  • Mrs. Elizabeth Marks, English 3rd Class passenger from Bristol, England, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 20
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. J. Marks (d. 1912), aged 26, English Assistant Pantry man Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 21
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Edward J. Marks, American Coxswain working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 22

Suggested Readings for the name Marks +

  • The LH7 Ranch in Houston's Shadow: The E.H. Marks Legacy from Longhorns to the Salt Grass Trail by Deborah Lightfoot Sizemore.
  • Marks-Barnett Families and Their Kin by Marion Dewoody Pettigrew.
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  3. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  4. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  5. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  6. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  7. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  8. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 30th May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_convicts.pdf
  9. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  10. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1823 with 151 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1823
  11. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1824 with 9 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1824
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/florentia
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 11th April 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/emperor-alexander
  14. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  15. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2013, February 12) Edwin Marks. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Marks/Edwin_Hall/USA.html
  16. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  17. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
  18. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  19. Monongah Mining Disaster retrieved on 8th August 2021. (Retrieved fromhttps://usminedisasters.miningquiz.com/saxsewell/monongah.htm).
  20. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  21. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  22. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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