Magnison History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany
Scotland

The story of the Magnison family stretches back through time to the Viking settlers who populated the rugged shores of Scotland in the Medieval era. The name Magnison was derived from the personal name Magnus, which is derived from the Latin word magnus, which means great. This name was popular among the Norsemen and was borrowed in honor of Charlemagne, who was known as Carolus Magnus in Latin.

Early Origins of the Magnison family

The surname Magnison was first found in Caithness (Gaelic: Gallaibh), the northern tip of Scotland, a Norse/Viking controlled region from the 9th century, which became the Earldom of Caithness, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland.

Early History of the Magnison family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Magnison research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1000, 1450, 1658, 1620 and 1677 are included under the topic Early Magnison History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Magnison Spelling Variations

Spelling variations are extremely common among Scottish names dating from this era because the arts of spelling and translation were not yet standardized. Spelling was done by sound, and translation from Gaelic to English was generally quite careless. In different records, Magnison has been spelled Manson, Manseon, Mansson, Mainson, Monson, Mansoun, Magnuson and many more.

Early Notables of the Magnison family (pre 1700)

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

Migration of the Magnison family

Those who made the voyage were greeted with ample opportunity to acquire land and a political climate far away from the oppressive monarchy of the old country. They settled along the east coast of what would become Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence, those who remained loyal to England traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In this century, many Scots living in North America have begun to recover their rich heritage through festivals, highland games, and Clan societies. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name Magnison: Luke Manson settled in Virginia in 1654; Barbara, Elizabeth and her mother Elizabeth, Janet, Margaret, and Thomas Manson all settled in Georgia in 1775.

The Magnison 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: Meae menor originis
Motto Translation: Mindful of my origin.