| ![Show Contents]() Maxwells History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of MaxwellsWhat does the name Maxwells mean? The ancient roots of the Maxwells family name are in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The name Maxwells comes from when the family lived in or near Maxwell, a salmon pool located on the Tweed river near Kelso Bridge. The surname Maxwells 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 Maxwells familyThe surname Maxwells was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects. Early History of the Maxwells familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maxwells research. Another 191 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1156, 1203, 1231, 1296, 1320, 1797 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Maxwells History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Maxwells Spelling VariationsOne 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 Maxwells has appeared include Maxwell, Maxweel, Makeswell, Makiswell, Maxuel, Maxwaile, Maxwale and many more. Early Notables of the Maxwells familyMore information is included under the topic Early Maxwells Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Maxwells family to IrelandSome of the Maxwells family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 81 words (6 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 Maxwells familyAt 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 Maxwells arrived in North America very early: Alan, David, George, Henry, Hugh, James, John, Mary, Robert, Samuel, Thomas, William Maxwell all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860. In Newfoundland, William was a soldier of St. John'.
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: Reviresco
Motto Translation: I flourish again.
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