Fisk History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 


The name Fisk was a nickname "the fish" for someone who was a fisherman or someone who sold fish from the Icelandic "fiskr" or the Danish "fish." 1

The name in Middle English was spelt fiske or fyske and was typically a northern England from of the word "fish." 2

Early Origins of the Fisk family

The surname Fisk was first found in Norfolk where "Fisc occurs as a personal name in the Domesday Book of 1086." 3 4 5

Later, Ernis Fish was listed in the Assize Rolls for Lincolnshire in 1202 and in Suffolk, Daniel Fisc was listed there in 1208. The Pipe Rolls of Northumberland included Robert Fisk in 1230. In Cornwall, Robert le Fysch was found there in 1297. 4

"The Fiskes or Fisks are probably connected with the Fiskes of the parish of Cratling in the 17th century: a monument to one of the family in Cratling church bore the date of 1640 Rattlesden [Suffolk] was the home of an ancient family of Fiske, owning much property in the county last century." 6

Early History of the Fisk family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fisk research. Another 305 words (22 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1519, 1637, 1643, 1796, 1818, 1819, 1827, 1846, 1872, 1884 and 1902 are included under the topic Early Fisk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fisk Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Fisk has been spelled many different ways, including Fisk, Ffiske, Fiske, Fisc and others.

Early Notables of the Fisk family

Notables of the family at this time include

Fisk Ranking

In the United States, the name Fisk is the 2,933rd most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 7


Fisk migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Fisks to arrive in North America:

Fisk Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Fisk Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Fisk Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Fisk migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Fisk Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Fisk migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Fisk Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Fisk (post 1700) +


The Fisk Motto +

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: Macte Virtute Sic Itur Ad Astra
Motto Translation: So to the stars we go.


Suggested Readings for the name Fisk +
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