Show ContentsPincen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Pincen family

The surname Pincen was first found in Cornwall where "a manor in the parish of St. Mawgan is where a family called Pincerna settled, and adopted the local name as their surname. " 1 The family name was first referenced in the 12th century when they held lands as St. Mawgan in Cornwall.

"The situation of [Mawgan in Pyder, Cornweall], is in the deanery and hundred of Pyder, about three miles west-north-west of St. Columb. Exclusive of the church town, Carloggas, Tregurrian, and Trevarrian, are its principal villages. Its lands in some places, which gently incline towards the northern shore, are exceedingly fertile, and the valley of Lanherne is peculiarly pleasant. It has been a subject of much perplexity and doubt, whether the manor of Lanherne shortly after the Norman Conquest, belonged to the family of Pincerna, or to a family denominated Lanherne. The last of the Lanhernes is said to be John de Lanherne, who married Margaret the daughter of Richard Fitz John; by whom he had one daughter, named Alice. This lady in 1231, was married to Sir Remphrey Arundell of Trembleth ; from which time Lanherne became the seat and property of this ancient and eminent family." 2

Early History of the Pincen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pincen research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Pincen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pincen Spelling Variations

Pincen has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Langhere, Lengherne, Lanherne, Langherne, Pincerna, Pincerne, Pincen, Lincerna and many more.

Early Notables of the Pincen family

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

Migration of the Pincen family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Pincens to arrive on North American shores: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. 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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