Parchment History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Parchment

What does the name Parchment mean?

The Parchment surname comes from the Old French word "parcheminier," meaning "parchment;" as such, it was likely originally an occupational name for a maker or seller of parchment.

Early Origins of the Parchment family

The surname Parchment was first found in Lincolnshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1200 when William Perchamunt held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Parchment family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Parchment research. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1413, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Parchment History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Parchment Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Parchment has been spelled many different ways, including Parchment, Parchman, Parkman, Pargeman, Pargement, Pargman, Pargment and many more.

Early Notables of the Parchment family

the Parchment family of Lincolnshire

Parchment migration to Canada +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Parchments to arrive in North America:

Parchment Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

James and Emma Parchment, who were on record in the census of Ontario Canada of 1871