Mapley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Mapley family

The surname Mapley was first found in Essex, where the first record found was that of Robert atte Mapele who was listed here in the Assize Rolls of 1285. Later John Mapel was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls for Cambridgeshire in 1327 and John del Mapples was found in Sheffield in 1348. [1]

The name Mapley, like many surnames, was derived from a topographical feature of the family's dwelling place. In this case, it is likely the family lived near a group of maple trees. Another, somewhat less likely possibility is that the family took their name from their house sign; in early times, many houses and buildings were marked with a sign; it is possible that the family resided in a house marked with a sign bearing a maple tree. [2] [3]

Another source claims the name is from "Mepal; a location name in Cambridgeshire." [4] This parish, in the hundred of South Witchford, union and Isle of Ely [5] has a very different etymology. It dates back to the 12th century when it was known as Mepahala and literally meant "nook of land of a man called Meapa," from the Old English personal name + "ham." [6] The aforementioned Cambridgeshire rolls entry in 1327 with the spelling of "Mapel" may be related.

Early History of the Mapley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mapley research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1285, 1327, 1348, 1635 and 1655 are included under the topic Early Mapley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mapley Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Maples, Mapel, Mapples, Maiples, Marples, Mapele and many more.

Early Notables of the Mapley family (pre 1700)

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Mapley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Mapley family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Maple, who settled in Virginia in 1652; Tho Maple, who arrived in Virginia in 1657; Geo Maples, who came to Virginia in 1665; and Joseph Maples, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1837..

The Mapley 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: Non vi sed virtute
Motto Translation: By force and prudence.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)