Martells History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France
Ireland

Etymology of Martells

What does the name Martells mean?

The ancestors of the Martells family migrated to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname Martells is based on the popular medieval given name Martin. It derives from the Latin Martinus, which comes from Mars, the Roman God of War.

Early Origins of the Martells family

The surname Martells was first found in Essex where they held a family seat from at Abbess Roding. One of the most famous early references of the surname was William Martel (1130-1153), English steward of the royal households of King Henry I and King Stephen of England, castellan of Sherborne Castle until 1143. Some of the family were found at Whaddon in Buckinghamshire in early times. " A small priory of Benedictine monks, in honour of St. Leonard, was founded in this parish, at Snelleshall, prior to the time of Henry III., by Ralph Martel, and at the Dissolution had a revenue of £24." 1

Early History of the Martells family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Martells research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1130, 1143, 1153 and 1204 are included under the topic Early Martells History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Martells Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Martells include Martel, Mortel, Martell, Mortell and others.

Early Notables of the Martells family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Martells Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Martells family to Ireland

Some of the Martells family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Martells family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Martellss to arrive on North American shores: K. Martell who settled in Boston in 1823; Antonio Martel settled in New Orleans in 1778 with Francesca his wife and children; Nicholas Martel settled in Louisiana in 1719..

Sources +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.