Matchem History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The surname Matchem is generally thought to be a local surname, derived from the place name Mitcham, County Surrey (today in the London Borough of Merton, London).

Early Origins of the Matchem family

The surname Matchem was first found in Surrey at Mitcham, a parish in the union of Croydon, Second division of the hundred of Wallington. "This parish, which is situated on the road to Reigate, is divided into Upper Mitcham, formerly called Whitford or Waterford, and Lower Mitcham, anciently Michelham, or "the great dwelling," a name probably derived from the district having been at an early period the residence of persons of distinction." 1

Early History of the Matchem family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Matchem research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1190 and 1273 are included under the topic Early Matchem History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Matchem Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Mitcham, Mitchum, Micham, Michum, Mitchem, Mitchim and many more.

Early Notables of the Matchem family

More information is included under the topic Early Matchem Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Matchem family to Ireland

Some of the Matchem family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 66 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Matchem family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: William Mecham, who came to Barbados or St. Christopher in 1635; William Mitcham, who arrived in Virginia in 1770; Christopher Mitcham, who arrived in Maryland in 1775.

The Matchem 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: Animi fortitudo
Motto Translation: The courage

Citations +

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