The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Merries family, who lived in Norfolk. Their name, however, is a reference to the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Meret, Normandy.
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Early Origins of the Merries family
The surname Merries was first found in Norfolk. However, some of the family were found at Stow-Maries in Essex. "This parish takes the adjunct to its name from the family of Marey, to whom the lands at one time belonged." 1
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Early History of the Merries family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merries research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1605, 1660 and 1682 are included under the topic Early Merries History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Merries Spelling Variations
Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Merries were recorded, including Merry, Mirrey, Merrie, Mirrie and others.
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Early Notables of the Merries family
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Merries Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Merries family to Ireland
Some of the Merries family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Merries family
The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Merries arrived in North America very early: Savage Merrie settled in Virginia in 1637; John Merrie settled in St. Christopher in 1633; John Merry later moved to Virginia in 1643; Thomas Merry settled in Virginia in 1654.
England
Ireland
