Saracen History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of SaracenWhat does the name Saracen mean? The Saracen surname is derived from the Old French word "Sarrazin," meaning "Saracen." It is thought to have been a nickname in Medieval England for someone of swarthy appearance, or for someone returned from the Crusades, before becoming a surname. Early Origins of the Saracen familyThe surname Saracen was first found in Cumberland 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 13th century when they held estates in that county. Early History of the Saracen familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Saracen research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1285, 1327, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Saracen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Saracen Spelling VariationsThe 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. Saracen has been recorded under many different variations, including Sarson, Sarsen, Saracen, Sarason, Sareson and many more. Early Notables of the Saracen familyMore information is included under the topic Early Saracen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 Saracen or a variant listed above: Saracen Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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