Mallem History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Mallem

What does the name Mallem mean?

The origins of the Mallem name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in either Sussex or in the West Riding of Yorkshire at Malham, 1 a township, in the parish of Kirkby-in-Malham-Dale, union of Settle, W. division of the wapentake of Staincliffe and Ewcross. Nearby is Malham-Moor, a township, in the parish of Kirkby-in-Malham-Dale. 2

The place names literally mean "dweller at the stony place," 3 or "settlement by the gravelly place." 4 The Domesday Book of 1086 lists the Yorkshire townships collectively as Malgun. 5

Early Origins of the Mallem family

The surname Mallem was first found in Winchester where Roger Malham was recorded 1210-1211. Later in Sussex, the Pipe Rolls show William de Malham held a family seat at Malham Farm in Wisborough Green and John de Malham was listed here in the Subsidy Rolls of 1296. 3

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 include: John de Malghom; Stephen de Malgham, draper; Thomas de Malgham, cissor; Willelmus de Malghom; Adam de Mallom; and Thomas de Mallum. 6

Early History of the Mallem family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mallem research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487 and 1774 are included under the topic Early Mallem History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mallem Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Mallem were recorded, including Mallam, Malham, Maleham, Malam, Malem, Mallem, Malgham, Mallom, Mallum, Malhamdale, Malghom and many more.

Early Notables of the Mallem family

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

Migration of the Mallem family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Mallem family emigrate to North America: Ben Mallam, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1914; George Mallam, aged 23, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1917; M. Mallam, aged 21, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1906.

Sources +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)