Verkin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Verkin

What does the name Verkin mean?

The surname Verkin comes from the Latin "virgo" meaning maiden, from which is derived the English word virgin. It is possible that the surname was originally a nickname for someone who had played the part of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a mystery play.

Early Origins of the Verkin family

The surname Verkin was first found in 1275 in Kent, where Simon Virg' who was listed in the Rotuli Hundredorum under the direction of Edward I. 1

Early History of the Verkin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Verkin research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1428, 1581, 1587, 1610 and 1637 are included under the topic Early Verkin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Verkin Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Verkin were recorded, including Virgin, Virgine,Vergin, Vergine, Virgo, Virgoe and many more.

Early Notables of the Verkin family

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

Migration of the Verkin family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Verkin arrived in North America very early: John and Susan Virgo, who settled in Virginia in 1624; Robert Virgin, who settled in Virginia in 1637; Thomas Virgo, who was granted land by William Penn in Pennsylvania in 1682.

The Verkin 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: Nunc aut nunquam
Motto Translation: Now or never.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)