Show ContentsMargant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Margant first arose amongst the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from their having lived in Marsham in Norfolk, or in the place called Mersham in Kent. [1] The surname Margant 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 Margant family

The surname Margant 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 Margant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Margant 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 Margant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Margant Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Margant has appeared include Marsham, Marshan, Marshom, Marshon, Marshman and others.

Early Notables of the Margant family

Distinguished 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 Margant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Margant family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Margant arrived in North America very early: 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 Margant 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 sibi sed patriae
Motto Translation: Not for himself, but for his country.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook