Show ContentsArsake History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Arsake family

The surname Arsake was first found in Norfolk at Southacre, a parish, in the union of Swaffham, hundred of South Greenhoe. The church located here is of particular significance to the family. "The church contains portions in the three styles of English architecture, with a square embattled tower; at the east end of the north aisle is a chapel, in which is the effigy of a Knight Templar, supposed to represent Sir Eudo Harsick, who died in 1292, and by whom it is thought the church was erected." 1

Early History of the Arsake family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Arsake research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1510, 1552 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Arsake History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Arsake Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Arsake include Harsick, Hartsick, Arsick, Harsigg, Arsigg, Harsike, Hasick, Hawsick, Hausick and many more.

Early Notables of the Arsake family

More information is included under the topic Early Arsake Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Arsake family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Arsake or a variant listed above: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook