Marsdynd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Marsdynd is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the settlements named Marsden in Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire. The surname Marsdynd 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 Marsdynd family

The surname Marsdynd was first found in Lancashire at Great Marsden or Little Marsden. "This place was anciently called Merclesden, and Merlesden. In the 35th of Henry III., Edmund de Lacy obtained a charter for free warren in "Great and Little Merlesden;" and in the 4th of Edward II., a fishery existed here, by grant from Henry de Lacy. Richard Merclesden was master forester of Blackburnshire to Isabella, dowager queen, in the reign of Edward III.; and in the same reign, Henry, Duke of Lancaster, granted a tract of land in Merclesden to Richard de Walton. " 1 Another reference lists the place name as Marchesden in the 12th century and probably meant "boundary water." 2 However, we believe that the former origin of the place name and surname is more likely. One of the earliest records of the name was Alan de Marchesden who was listed in the Assize Rolls of Lancashire in 1246. 3 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1273 listed Robert de Marcheden, Nicholaus Mercheden and Johanna de Mersseden. 4

Early History of the Marsdynd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Marsdynd research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1625, 1680, 1681, 1688 and 1738 are included under the topic Early Marsdynd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Marsdynd Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Marsdynd has been spelled many different ways, including Marsden, Marsdon and others.

Early Notables of the Marsdynd family

Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Marsdynd Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Marsdynd family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Marsdynds to arrive in North America: Francis Marsden settled in Virginia in 1635; Christopher Marsden settled in Virginia in 1700; Charles, Denton, Edward, Francis, George, Horatio, James, John, Thomas and William Marsden all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..

The Marsdynd 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: Mars denique victor es
Motto Translation: Mars, though art the conqueror.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)