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The prestigious French surname Merced is a proud sign of a rich and dynamic ancestry. The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Artois were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. As well as the names of the saints of the Christian Church, many of the most common French are derived from personal names of Germanic origin. They derive from the language of the Franks who controlled most of France after the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The surname Merced is derived from the name Marchand, which is derived from the Latin and Old French words for merchant.
The surname Merced was first found in Artois, a former province of northern France.
Active in the events of the times, the family branched and held extensive lands in Paris, Berry, and Lorraine where they intermarried with many notable and important families. From there as ambassadors, diplomats and statesmen they founded branches in Geneva, Italy and Germany.
Amongst the many titles and lands they were awarded for their contributions to the King were de Beauepas, du Collenu, de L'Ecluse, de Maisoncelle, de Richemont, du Mas, de Malaval and de Touville, several of which were for their lands and estates in both Normandy and Bretagne.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merced research. Another 46 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1400, 1497, 1608, 1689, 1734 and 1760 are included under the topic Early Merced History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Mercier, Mercié, Merciait, Merciai, Merciaie, Merciay, Merciez, Mercyer, Mercyé, Mercyait, Mercyai, Mercyaie, Mercyay, Mercyez, Merciée, Mercyée, Merciaies, Mercyaies, Merciey, Mercyey, Merciest, Mercyest, Merciet, Mercyet, Mercereau and many more.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Merced Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In the United States, the name Merced is the 10,045th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1