Show ContentsMaxwel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The present generation of the Maxwel family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived in or near Maxwell, a salmon pool located on the Tweed river near Kelso Bridge. The surname Maxwel 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 Maxwel family

The surname Maxwel was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Maxwel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maxwel research. Another 191 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1156, 1203, 1231, 1296, 1320, 1797 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Maxwel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Maxwel Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Maxwel include Maxwell, Maxweel, Makeswell, Makiswell, Maxuel, Maxwaile, Maxwale and many more.

Early Notables of the Maxwel family

Notables of the family at this time include

  • Lord Maxwell

Ireland Migration of the Maxwel family to Ireland

Some of the Maxwel family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 81 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Maxwel family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Maxwel were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Alan, David, George, Henry, Hugh, James, John, Mary, Robert, Samuel, Thomas, William Maxwell all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860. In Newfoundland, William was a soldier of St. John's in 1821.



The Maxwel 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: Reviresco
Motto Translation: I flourish again.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook