Popen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The ancestry of the name Popen dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It comes from when the family lived in Popham, Hants (now Hampshire). The first portion of the name is of uncertain meaning; medieval scholars believe that it is derived from the Old English word popp, which means pebble, but that etymology is uncertain. The second element, ham, means homestead or enclosure. Popham was recorded as Popham in 903, and as Popeham in the Domesday Book, 1 compiled in 1086.

Early Origins of the Popen family

The surname Popen was first found in Hampshire at Popham, a village south of Basingstoke. It is claimed that "an ancestor, Gilbert de Popham, lived in the reign or King John; and there the elder line continued till 17 Henry VI. The Sommerstshire Pophams branched out of the Hampshire family, so early as temp. Edward I." 2 3

Early History of the Popen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Popen research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1150, 1190, 1293, 1434, 1435, 1463, 1531, 1573, 1580, 1581, 1583, 1592, 1595, 1597, 1607, 1610, 1612, 1644, 1651 and 1669 are included under the topic Early Popen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Popen Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Popen have been found, including Popham, Poppam and others.

Early Notables of the Popen family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Sir John Popham (died 1463), English military commander and Speaker-elect of the House of Commons, son of Sir John Popham, a younger son of the ancient Hampshire family of Popham of Popham between Basingstoke and Winchester; Sir Stephen Popham, High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 1434-1435; Sir John Popham (1531-1607), Speaker of the House of Commons from 1580 to 1583, Attorney General 1581 to...
Another 70 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Popen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Popen family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Popen, or a variant listed above: Edward and George Popham settled in Maine in 1607; thirteen years before the "Mayflower"; Richard Popham settled in New York in 1820.

The Popen Motto +

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: Mens pristina mansit
Motto Translation: The original mind hath remained.

Citations +

Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.