Tolmish History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Tolmish has a history dating as far back as the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a person who habitually wore a knapsack or other type of pack carried on the back. The surname Tolmish 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 Tolmish family

The surname Tolmish 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 Tolmish family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tolmish 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 Tolmish History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tolmish 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 Tolmish have been found, including Talmach, Talmage, Talmash, Tammadge, Tammage, Tallemach, Tollemache, Tolmage and many more.

Early Notables of the Tolmish 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 Tolmish Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Tolmish 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 Tolmish, 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 Tolmish 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.

Citations +

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