Show ContentsMarshall History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Marshall Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Marshall

What does the name Marshall mean?

The surname Marshall is a name of ancient Norman origin. It comes from the Old French "mareschal," which is in turn derived from the Germanic elements "marah," meaning "horse" and "scalc," or "servant." Thus the name was originally used for a person who tended horses. Around the same time that surnames were being formed, the marshall was one of the most important servants in the houses of the nobility. 1

"This being a name of office (the Marshal being a feudal officer of eminence appointed by each great baron) includes a number of different families." 2

Early Origins of the Marshall family

The surname Marshall was first found in Lothian, where the Clan is said to be descended from Robert, an early Chieftain of the Catti tribe, and possibly one of the earliest settlers in Scotland. Robert joined King Malcolm II at the battle of Panbridge, in 1006, against Camus, leader of the Danes. Robert slew Camus for which King Malcolm granted Robert the hereditary title of Marshall of Scotland, with a barony in Lothian and the island of Inskeith in the gulf of Edinburgh. It is for this title that the Keiths are sometimes known as the Marshalls, and many Clansmen adopted that name.

"Maledoni Marescal is witness to gift of the lands of Perdeyc (Partick) to the church of Glasgow, 1136. About 1170 Symon Mare-scall witnessed a charter by Walter de Berkeley, and between 1178-80 Gillecolm Merescald witnessed a charter by William the Lion of Kinbethach to Gilbert, earl of Strathern. Guldone marescaldus witnessed a charter by Robert, bishop of St. Andrews before 1173 and Robert Merescaldus de Molle witnessed EsChina de London's gift of the church of Molle to Kelso, c. 1185-1190. Philip Merescallus, a charter witness between 1187-c. 1202, married the heiress of Keith-Humbie, and thus became ancestor of the Keiths, Earls Marischal. Adam, merescallus of the bishop of Glasgow, witnessed sale of lands of Scrogges to the church of Glasgow, c. 1208-1213." 3

Early History of the Marshall family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Marshall research. Another 441 words (32 lines of text) covering the years 1304, 1438, 1464, 1748, 1775, 1796, 1833, 1851, 1855 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Marshall History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Marshall Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Marshall, Marshal, Marescal, Marescall, Merchel, Mercial, Mershell, Mersell, Marshale and many more.

Early Notables of the Marshall family

  • Henry Marshall (1775-1851), physician and Inspector-General of army hospitals born in Stirlingshire
  • James Marshall (1796-1855) of Bute, preacher and author
  • Sir James Marshall, 19th century colonial judge born at Edinburgh. Also, William Marshall (1748-1833), violinist and composer born in Morayshire and William Marshall, 19th century scholar born in Pert...

Marshall World Ranking

the United States, the name Marshall is the 119th most popular surname with an estimated 186,525 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Marshall is ranked the 118th most popular surname with an estimated 25,682 people with that name. 5 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Marshall is the 213rd popular surname with an estimated 201 people with that name. 6 Australia ranks Marshall as 71st with 32,900 people. 7 New Zealand ranks Marshall as 53rd with 5,263 people. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Marshall as 62nd with 71,607 people. 9

Migration of the Marshall family to Ireland

Some of the Marshall family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 82 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Marshall migration to the United States +



Marshall Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Robert Marshall, who arrived in Virginia in 1616 aboard the ship "George" 11
  • Mrs. Ann Marshall, who arrived in Virginia in 11616 aboard the ship "George" 11
  • Henry Marshall, who landed in America in 1620 12
  • Edward Marshall, aged 26, who arrived in Virginia in 1621 aboard the ship "Abigaile"
  • Charle Marshall, who arrived in Virginia in 1623
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Marshall Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Josias Marshall, who arrived in Virginia in 1701 12
  • Angell Marshall, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 12
  • Abraham Marshall, who landed in Virginia in 1709 12
  • Angilo Marshall, who landed in Virginia in 1719 12
  • Isaiah Marshall, who arrived in Maryland or Virginia in 1730 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Marshall Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Betty Marshall, aged 19, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1805 12
  • Joseph Marshall, who arrived in Ohio in 1812 12
  • Elizabeth Marshall, aged 39, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1813 12
  • Gilbert Marshall, who landed in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1818 12
  • Andrew Marshall, who landed in Charleston, South Carolina in 1826 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Marshall Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. George Marshall, (b. 1868), aged 32, Cornish slater travelling aboard the ship "Lucania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 5th March 1900 en route to Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, USA 13
  • Mrs. Jane Marshall, (b. 1853), aged 47, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Lucania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 5th March 1900 en route to Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, USA 13
  • Mr. Frank Marshall, (b. 1872), aged 31, Cornish carpenter travelling aboard the ship "Ivernia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 17th March 1903 en route to St Louis, Illinois, USA 13
  • Mr. John E. Marshall, (b. 1846), aged 58, Cornish slater, from Camelford, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th February 1904 en route to Bangor, Pennsylvania, USA 13
  • Mrs. Martha Marshall, (b. 1849), aged 56, Cornish settler, from St Austell, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Lucania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Indianapolis, Indiana, USA 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Marshall migration to Canada +

Marshall Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
  • John Marshall, who was on record in Keels, Newfoundland in 1681 14
  • Henry Marshall, who was a boat keeper in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1681 14
Marshall Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • George Marshall, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Lascelles Marshall, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Josiah Marshall, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
  • Jane Marshall, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Charles Marshall, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Marshall Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • John Marshall migrated from Clackmannan to Toronto in 1832
  • Mary, Robert and Thomas Marshall, who all, who sailed to Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834
  • Mary, Robert, and Thomas Marshall and Joseph Marshale, who all, who sailed to Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834
  • Robert Marshall, aged 26, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the barque "New Brunswick" from Liverpool, England
  • Mary Marshall, aged 22, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the barque "New Brunswick" from Liverpool, England
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Marshall migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Mr. Daniel Marshall, British settler convicted at Hampshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10
Second Fleet
  • Mr. James Marshall, (John), (d. 1791), aged 40, British settler convicted in London, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Queen" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 11
Third Fleet
  • Mr. Joseph Marshall, (b. 1754), aged 33, English settler convicted in London on 21st April 1784, sentenced for 14 years for receiving stollen good, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 11
  • Miss Mary Marshall, (b. 1764), aged 23, English settler convicted in London on 7th July 1784, sentenced for life for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Lady Penrhyn" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 11
  • Miss Mary Marshall, (b. 1757), aged 30, English settler convicted in London on 10th January 1787, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Lady Penrhyn" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 11
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Marshall Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Marshall migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Marshall Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • E Marshall, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1830
  • Mrs R A Marshall, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship London
  • S Marshall, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • W Marshall, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • David Watt Marshall, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Marshall migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 19
Marshall Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Francis Marshall, (b. 1609), aged 26, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 20
  • Miss Jane Marshall, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 20
  • Mr. Richard Marshall, (b. 1599), aged 36, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 20

Contemporary Notables of the name Marshall (post 1700) +

  • Barry Marshall (b. 1951), Australian physician and Nobel Prize winner famous for his research into stomach ulcers
  • Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993), American jurist, first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Garry Marshall (1934-2016), born Garry Kent Masciarelli, an American actor, director, writer, producer and creator of the television shows Happy Days and The Odd Couple, inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1997
  • James Wilson Marshall (1810-1885), American carpenter and sawmill operator who found gold at Coloma on the American River in California on January 24, 1848, leading to the California Gold Rush
  • Rufus James Marshall (1931-2025), American former professional baseball player, manager and coach, managed the Chicago Cubs (1974-76) and the Oakland Athletics (1979), career big-league managing record was 229-326 (.413), and 1979 A's squad lost 108 of 162 games (.333)
  • James Lawrence Marshall (1937-2025), American professional football player, defensive end in the National Football League for 20 seasons, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings
  • Peter Marshall (1926-2024), born Ralph Pierre LaCock, an American game show host, television, radio personality, singer, and actor, original host of The Hollywood Squares from 1966 to 1981 and has almost fifty television, movie, and Broadway credits
  • John Thomas "Tom" Marshall (1931-2024), American basketball player and coach from Coldwater, Tennessee
  • Robert I. Marshall (1946-2024), American Democratic Party politician, Member of Delaware State Senate 3rd District; Elected 1998 21
  • ... (Another 288 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Centaur
  • John Bruce Vance Marshall (1903-1943), Australian Private who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
  • Mr. George Norman  Marshall (1863-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 22
  • Mr. William  Marshall (1869-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 23
  • Mrs. Annie  Marshall (1872-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 23
  • Mr. William  Marshall (1904-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 23
  • ... (Another 22 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Marshall 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: Semper virescit virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue always flourishes.

Suggested Readings for the name Marshall +

  • Forebears and Descendants of an Early Houston Family by Maudie Marie Holt Marshall.
  • A History of the Marshall and Related Families by Wallace Marshall.
  • Marshall Pioneers and Their Descendants Across Canada and the United States by Joan Jowsey.
  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  3. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  4. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  5. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  6. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  7. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  8. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  9. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  10. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  11. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  12. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  13. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  14. Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duke-of-portland
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
  19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  20. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  21. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 22) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  22. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance

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