Show ContentsWalsmand History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Walsmand family

The surname Walsmand was first found in Montgomeryshire (Welsh: Sir Drefaldwyn), located in mid-Eastern Wales, one of thirteen historic counties, and anciently the medieval kingdom of Powys Wenwynwyn. Conjecturally they descend from Rolf de Valeys who held the manor and castle of Yaire. Adam the Welshman (c. 1130-1181) was a Welsh theologian and Bishop of St Asaph from 1175 to 1181. Little is known of his life and many people believe he was one in the same as Adam of Balsham ((c. 1100-1157.)

Early History of the Walsmand family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Walsmand research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1176, 1187, 1665, 1732, 1736 and 1739 are included under the topic Early Walsmand History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Walsmand Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. The most obvious reason was the challenge of translating from Welsh into English. As a result, people could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Walsmand name over the years has been spelled Welshman, Welchman and others.

Early Notables of the Walsmand family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Edward Welchman (1665-1739), English theologian, son of John Welchman, 'gentleman,' of Banbury, Oxfordshire. "He became chaplain to the bishop of Lichfield, who collated him...
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Walsmand Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Walsmand family

Many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, searching for land, work, and freedom. Like the many other immigrants from the British Isles, they made a significant contribution to the development of Canada and the United States. The Welsh and their descendents added a rich cultural tradition to the newly developed towns, cities, and villages. An investigation of the immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Walsmand: James Welchman of Old Perlican, Newfoundland, who settled there in 1675; George Welshman is recorded in Trinity, Newfoundland, in 1794; John Welshman was recorded at Twillingate, Newfoundland, in 1843.



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