| ![Show Contents]() Margain History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The Anglo-Saxon name Margain comes from the family having resided in Marsham in Norfolk, or in the place called Mersham in Kent. 1 The surname Margain belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Early Origins of the Margain familyThe surname Margain was first found in Norfolk at Marsham, a parish, in the union of Aylsham, hundred of South Erpingham. 2 The parish dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was first listed as Marsam. 3 Literally the place name means "homestead or village by a marsh," from the Old English words "mersc" + "ham." 4 Mersham is a parish, in the union of East Ashford, hundred of Chart and Longbridge, lathe of Shepway. 2 The first record of the name was Leofstan aet Merseham c. 1060 who was listed in the reference Old English Bynames. Benjamin de Merseham was listed in the Feet of Fines of Kent in 1236 and John de Marsham was listed in the Coroner Rolls of London in 1336. 1 Some of the family were found at Stratton-Strawless in Norfolk since very early times. "The Hall, a large mansion of white brick, in a well-wooded park, is the seat of R. Marsham, Esq., in whose family it has remained since the time of Edward the First." 2 Early History of the Margain familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Margain research. Another 124 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1130, 1280, 1510, 1518, 1602, 1637, 1650, 1679, 1685, 1692, 1696, 1698, 1702, 1703, 1708, 1716 and 1724 are included under the topic Early Margain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Margain Spelling VariationsMargain has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Marsham, Marshan, Marshom, Marshon, Marshman and others. Early Notables of the Margain familyDistinguished members of the family include Sir John Marsham, 1st Baronet of Cuckston (1602-1685), an English antiquary known as a writer on chronology; Sir John Marsham, 2nd Baronet (1637-1692); Sir John Marsham, 3rd Baronet (1679-1696); Sir Robert Marsham...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Margain Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Margain familyIn an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Margains to arrive on North American shores: Thomas Marsham, who settled in Virginia in 1654; Charles Marshom, who settled in Boston in 1768; James Marshman, a British convict, sent to Maryland in 1772.
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 sibi sed patriae
Motto Translation: Not for himself, but for his country.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
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