The name Merriss reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Merriss family lived in Norfolk. Their name, however, is a reference to the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Meret, Normandy.
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Early Origins of the Merriss family
The surname Merriss was first found in Norfolk. However, some of the family were found at Stow-Maries in Essex. "This parish takes the adjunct to its name from the family of Marey, to whom the lands at one time belonged." 1
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Early History of the Merriss family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merriss research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1605, 1660 and 1682 are included under the topic Early Merriss History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Merriss Spelling Variations
Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Merriss family name include Merry, Mirrey, Merrie, Mirrie and others.
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Early Notables of the Merriss family
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Merriss Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Merriss family to Ireland
Some of the Merriss family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Merriss family
To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Merriss family to immigrate North America: Savage Merrie settled in Virginia in 1637; John Merrie settled in St. Christopher in 1633; John Merry later moved to Virginia in 1643; Thomas Merry settled in Virginia in 1654.
England
Ireland
