Show ContentsNumarche History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Numarche family, who lived in Breckonshire, Wales. Their name, however, is a reference to Neuf-Marche, near Neufchatel, Normandy. 1

Another source spells the place name differently and provides more details. The family is "from the castle of Neumarché in Normandy, which, about 1060, was seized by Duke William, to the prejudice of its inheritor, Geoffrey de Newmarch. (Ord. Vitalis.) Geoffrey’s son Bernard was one of the Conqueror’s companions-at-arms, and witnesses one of his charters to Battle Abbey. He obtained his share of the spoil - a Welsh principality - by his own good sword; for, as Freeman expresses it, 'he used a soldier’s licence to appropriate the territory of Brecknock.' " 2

Early Origins of the Numarche family

The surname Numarche was first found in Breckonshire (Breconshire) in Wales where they held a family seat from the time of the Norman Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in the year 1066. Bernard of Neuf-Marche near Neufchatel in Normandy, a Norman noble at Hastings, founded a priory at Bracknock which was a cell of the Battel Abbey in Sussex. His successor, Baron Newmarch was summoned to Parliament. Adam de Newmarch was Baron Newmarch.

Early History of the Numarche family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Numarche research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1290 is included under the topic Early Numarche History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Numarche Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Numarche were recorded, including Newmarch, Newmarche, Newmarsh, Newmarshe, Newmark, Numarch, Numarche, Numark, Newmack, Newdiche, Newdick and many more.

Early Notables of the Numarche family

More information is included under the topic Early Numarche Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Numarche family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Numarche arrived in North America very early: John Newmarch, who came to Rowley, MA in 1643; William Newmarch, who settled in Maryland in 1679; Jonathon Newmarsh, who settled in Virginia in 1726; H. Newmark who came to San Francisco Cal. in 1862.



  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 2 of 3


Houseofnames.com on Facebook