Show ContentsTalemeck History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancient history of the name Talemeck dates back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name given to a person who habitually wore a knapsack or other type of pack carried on the back. The surname Talemeck is derived from the Old French word talemache, which means knapsack. Nickname surnames often referred to the bearer's favored style of clothing.

Alternatively, this Norman name could have literally meant "totting of the bell." 1

Early Origins of the Talemeck family

The surname Talemeck was first found in Suffolk where, according to Doctor Bosworth, they were amongst the first Angles that settled in Suffolk. On their manor house at Bentley, near Ipswich there was the following inscription "Before the Normans into England came, Bentley was my seat, and Tollemache was my name." 2 3

Early History of the Talemeck family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Talemeck research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1611, 1624, 1651, 1669, 1694 and 1821 are included under the topic Early Talemeck History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Talemeck Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Talemeck include Talmach, Talmage, Talmash, Tammadge, Tammage, Tallemach, Tollemache, Tolmage and many more.

Early Notables of the Talemeck family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir Lionel Tollemache (1624-1669), 3rd Baronet of Helmingham was the head of a powerful East Anglian family whose seat was...
Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Talemeck Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Talemeck family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Talemeck or a variant listed above: William Tallmarsh settled in Jamaica in 1722; William Talmadge settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1630 with his wife; Thomas Talmadge settled in Salem, Massachusetts with his wife in 1630.



The Talemeck 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: Confido conquiesco
Motto Translation: I trust and am contented.


  1. Charnock, Richard, Stephen, Ludus Patronymicus of The Etymology of Curious Surnames. London: Trubner & Co., 60 Paternoster Row, 1868. Print.
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.


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