Mark History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

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The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Mark. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of barbarian tribes. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known in Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Mark family.

Early Origins of the Mark family

The surname Mark was first found in Prussia, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times.

The famous German noble Merck family rose to fame in Hammelburg, Bavaria in the 15th century. This family had a long history in pharmacy going back to the 17th century and it is from this branch that the famous pharmaceutical Merck Group was established in 1668.

Early History of the Mark family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mark research. Another 203 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1361, 1397, 1398, 1399, 1400, 1408, 1409, 1485, 1559, 1621, 1668, 1678, 1724, 1786, 1807 and 1819 are included under the topic Early Mark History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mark Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Mark include Mark, Marck, Marcker, Marckert, Marquart, Marquard, Marque, Markert, Marker, Marcart, Marcard, Marquart, Marquard and many more.

Early Notables of the Mark family

Notable figures of the time with the name Mark were Thomas Merke (Merks) (died 1409), an English priest and Bishop of Carlisle (1397-1400), Educated at Oxford University, be became a Benedictine monk at Westminster Abbey, consecrated bishop about 1397, served Richard II as ambassador to various German princes in 1397, one of the commissioners who negotiated the dowry of Isabella of Valois in 1398, and accompanied the king to Ireland in 1399, supported Richard against the usurper Henry IV and in 1400 was imprisoned in the Tower of London and deprived of his bishopric as a result...
Another 96 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Mark Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mark World Ranking

In the United States, the name Mark is the 2,538th most popular surname with an estimated 12,435 people with that name. 1 However, in Quebec, Canada, the name Mark is ranked the 958th most popular surname. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Mark is the 999th popular surname with an estimated 757 people with that name. 3


Mark migration to the United States +

Much of German history has been shaped by the state of Prussia. It was an enduring military power until after the Second World War. At that time, the state was abolished altogether and its land divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. While some Prussians were content to remain in those countries, others moved away, many of them migrating to North America. They entered the United States mostly through Philadelphia, moving on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others went to Canada, settling on the prairies and in the province of Ontario. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were:

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

Mark migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Mark Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mark migration to Australia +

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

Mark Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mark 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:

Mark Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Mark (post 1700) +


The Mark 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: Fortitudine et fidelitate
Motto Translation: By fortitude and fidelity.
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