| ![Show Contents]() Flasher History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of FlasherWhat does the name Flasher mean? The name Flasher is an occupational name for someone who was a 'the flaxman,' a dresser of flax, derived from the Middle English, flax and the Anglo-Saxon fleax. 1 "Flaxman is a trade name that denotes a dealer in flax, flaxseed oil, or hemp. Or it may refer to the color of a person's hair. In old authors "flax-wife" signifies a female spinner who is married, probably to distinguish her from the spinster, or maiden of the distaff. One of the family is described as "Johannem Spoundel dictum Flexmangere," or fiax-monger, and twenty years later this person, or a descendant, is simply described as 'Johannes Flexman.'" 2 Early Origins of the Flasher familyThe surname Flasher was first found in Huntingdonshire where in the year 1279 William Flexman held estates in that shire. A few years later, Richard le flexmongere was laos listed there in 1294. In Norfolk, Nicholas Flaxman was listed as holding lands there in 1332. 3 The source Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III includes entries for Ralph le Flexman and John Flexmon, Gloucestershire, 20 Edward I (during the twentieth year of King Edard I's reign.) 1 Early History of the Flasher familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Flasher research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1205, 1327, 1332, 1562, 1582, 1663 and 1706 are included under the topic Early Flasher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Flasher Spelling VariationsThe 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. Flasher has been spelled many different ways, including Flaxman, Flexman, Flashman, Flachman, Fleshman, Flesh and many more. Early Notables of the Flasher familyMore information is included under the topic Early Flasher Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Flasher familyThousands 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 Flashers to arrive in North America: 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..
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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