Show ContentsNanswowen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Nanswowen family

The surname Nanswowen was first found in Cornwall at Nanswhydden, St. Columb. "The manor of Nanswhydden originally belonged to the family of that name, and continued in their possession until the year 1581." 1

Early History of the Nanswowen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nanswowen research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Nanswowen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nanswowen Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore,spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Nanswowen has been recorded under many different variations, including Nanswawen, Nanscawan, Nanswowen, Nanswhydden and others.

Early Notables of the Nanswowen family

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

Migration of the Nanswowen family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Nanswowen or a variant listed above: Arthur Nanscowen, who was on record in the census of Ontario of 1871.



  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print


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