Mees History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsMees is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Mees family lived in Staffordshire. The surname Mees can be traced to Cold Meece, a village near Swynnerton or the Meece River in Staffordshire. Likely the original bearer lived by the River Meece. 1 The River Meese, in Shropshire, England may be another starting point for this family. Early Origins of the Mees familyThe surname Mees was first found in Staffordshire where they held a family seat. The name is associated with the village of Mill Meece, which was recorded in the Domesday Book, 2 a census of England taken by King William in the year 1086. Robert Miee was registered in Normandy in 1198. In England, the first recorded ancestor was Richard del Mes (also recorded as Richard Mey,) who was registered in Staffordshire in 1276. 1 Early History of the Mees familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mees research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1608, 1642 and 1691 are included under the topic Early Mees History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Mees Spelling VariationsEndless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Meese, Meece, Mees, Mey and others. Early Notables of the Mees familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was
Migration of the Mees family to IrelandSome of the Mees family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Mees or a variant listed above: Mees Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Mees Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Mees Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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