Pophan History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancient roots of the Pophan family name are in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The name Pophan comes from when the family lived in Popham, Hants (now Hampshire). The first portion of the name is of uncertain meaning; medieval scholars believe that it is derived from the Old English word popp, which means pebble, but that etymology is uncertain. The second element, ham, means homestead or enclosure. Popham was recorded as Popham in 903, and as Popeham in the Domesday Book, 1 compiled in 1086. Early Origins of the Pophan familyThe surname Pophan was first found in Hampshire at Popham, a village south of Basingstoke. It is claimed that "an ancestor, Gilbert de Popham, lived in the reign or King John; and there the elder line continued till 17 Henry VI. The Sommerstshire Pophams branched out of the Hampshire family, so early as temp. Edward I." 2 3 Early History of the Pophan familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pophan research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1150, 1190, 1293, 1434, 1435, 1463, 1531, 1573, 1580, 1581, 1583, 1592, 1595, 1597, 1607, 1610, 1612, 1644, 1651 and 1669 are included under the topic Early Pophan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Pophan Spelling VariationsOne relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Pophan has appeared include Popham, Poppam and others. Early Notables of the Pophan familyNotables of this surname at this time include: Sir John Popham (died 1463), English military commander and Speaker-elect of the House of Commons, son of Sir John Popham, a younger son of the ancient Hampshire family of Popham of Popham between Basingstoke and Winchester; Sir Stephen Popham, High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 1434-1435; Sir John Popham (1531-1607), Speaker of the House of Commons from 1580 to 1583, Attorney General 1581 to... Migration of the Pophan familyAt this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Pophan arrived in North America very early: Edward and George Popham settled in Maine in 1607; thirteen years before the "Mayflower"; Richard Popham settled in New York in 1820.
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: Mens pristina mansit Motto Translation: The original mind hath remained.
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