, where the name appeared in the 13th century. 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.
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. Spelling variations of this family name include: Maples, Mapel, Mapples, Maiples, Marples, Mapele and many more.
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 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.